Samsung Hit with Class Action Over Alleged Gas Stove Air Pollutant Risks

New to ClassAction.org? Read our Newswire Disclaimer

A proposed class action alleges Samsung Electronics America has failed to disclose that its gas stoves emit harmful pollutants into consumers’ homes. 

Want to stay in the loop on class actions that matter to you? Sign up for ClassAction.org’s free weekly newsletter here. 

The 23-page case contends that the risk of a gas stove emitting pollutants is an avoidable one as manufacturers such as Samsung can reasonably design the appliances to mitigate consumers’ in-home exposure to nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and harmful levels of particulate matter. At the same time, the suit says, Samsung and other manufacturers can and should disclose the risk of pollutants to consumers to allow them to make an informed decision as to whether to buy a gas or electric stove. 

According to the filing, studies have confirmed that gas stoves release air pollutants at levels considered unsafe by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and are linked to respiratory conditions, cardiovascular issues, cancer and other health ailments, including childhood asthma.

“Children living in households with gas stoves are 42% more likely to have asthma,” the case states, noting that around 40 percent of American homes use a natural gas stove. 

The case claims Samsung is aware that its gas stoves emit harmful pollutants and that use of the appliances, in general, can “increase the rates of respiratory illness in adults and children,” yet has failed to roll out an alternative design for its products or disclose the apparent pollutant risk to consumers. 

“Like other makers of gas stoves, Defendant monitors and keeps track of research on the health effects of its products. This is diligence that large companies like Defendant routinely do when selling a consumer product. Defendant is aware of the fact that its Products emit harmful pollutants.” 

Consumers in the market for a gas stove remain unaware of the emissions risk since nothing on Samsung’s product packaging suggests that the appliances may be harmful to human health, the case continues, stressing that the manufacturer had a duty to warn the public of the issue.

“Defendant knew of the defect, but actively concealed it,” the lawsuit alleges. “Defendant should have, but did not, warn consumers of the fact that its Products emit harmful nitrogen oxides and pollutants when used for cooking.” 

If Samsung had “disclosed the truth” about its gas stoves, the price of the products would fall significantly, the suit argues. The manufacturer has “overcharge[d] millions of consumers” for gas stoves that pose a health risk, the filing claims. 

The lawsuit looks to cover all individuals who bought a Samsung or Dacor gas stove while living in the United States during the applicable statute of limitations period. 

Get class action lawsuit news sent to your inbox – sign up for ClassAction.org’s free weekly newsletter here.