U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is reportedly considering a ban on gas stoves over concerns that their usage can cause respiratory problems in children among other health issues.

Richard Trumka Jr., U.S. Consumer Product Safety commissioner, said that CPSC plans "to take action" to address the indoor pollution caused by stoves. In an interview with Bloomberg, he added "any option is on the table," and "products that can't be made safe can be banned."

Is the agency about to turn stove snatchers? The answer is "No" at this time. However, President Joe Biden's detractors already appear to jump the gun. Twitter is flooded with digs aimed at the President after reports of a possible ban on gas stoves circulated.

"Safety? We've had these stoves for over 100 years. It's totally fine to give fentanyl to addicts but a gas stove is a threat to your life?" television host Tucker Carlson said on his show.

Some also poked fun at the President by reposting an old image featuring Jill Biden cooking on a gas stove. The First Lady had posted the photo on her feed in September 2020 with the caption, "Hey @Antoni, what are you cooking tonight?"

"Hmmm so you get to use a gas stove and use excess lighting for your cabinets. Got it," a Twitter user responded to the photo.

"Biden's newfound and idiotic attempt to ban gas stoves will run into intense opposition from serious cooks/culinary sophisticates. I'm not one of them, but know plenty who are. They tell me that serious cooking must be done over a gas stove. Electric stoves simply don't cut it," tweeted another.

Responding to the ongoing heat on the social media platform, Trumka Jr. posted a clarification. "Thanks for your interest! To be clear, CPSC isn't coming for anyone's gas stoves. Regulations apply to new products. For Americans who CHOOSE to switch from gas to electric, there is support available - Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act which includes a $840 rebate."

At the same time, CPSC issued a statement to USA Today Tuesday, noting that the agency hasn't proposed any regulatory action on gas stoves right now. It added that the staff will work with standards organizations to examine gas stove emissions and address any potential hazards.

"CPSC has not proposed any regulatory action on gas stoves at this time. Any regulatory action by the Commission would involve a lengthy process. Agency staff plans to start gathering data and perspectives from the public on potential hazards associated with gas stoves, and proposed solutions to those hazards later this year. Commission staff also continues to work with voluntary standards organizations to examine gas stove emissions and address potential hazards."

U.S. President Joe Biden arrives at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland
Reuters