TED Talks Daily Why you should ditch deadly fossil-fuel appliances | Donnel Baird
10 snips
Nov 14, 2023 
Donnel Baird, CEO of BlockPower, leads the charge in transitioning buildings from fossil fuels to all-electric systems, tackling health risks and environmental damage. He shares an ambitious vision to retrofit millions of buildings, emphasizing cleaner, healthier technology. David Kelly, founder of IDEO, explores creative confidence and how childhood criticism can stifle innovation. He discusses overcoming the fear of judgment, along with personal stories that inspire listeners to unlock their creative potential and embrace self-expression.
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Harlem Furnace
- Donnel Baird recalls smelling gas in a Harlem apartment complex's furnace.
- Weeks prior, a similar furnace explosion killed eight people, highlighting the dangers of fossil fuels.
Gas Oven Heating
- Donnel Baird's family used their gas oven for heat in their Brooklyn apartment due to a faulty heating system.
- His parents instructed him to open a window to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, a common practice for many Americans.
Gas Appliance Dangers
- Gas appliances leak harmful substances like benzene, methane, and nitrogen dioxide.
- Benzene exposure in homes can be worse than secondhand smoke, causing childhood asthma and other health issues.