Millions of citizens every day, natural gas to electrical appliances such as cookers, ovens and kettles. However, these devices and distribution channels even when not in use, they emit amounts of this gas that can be harmful to users.According to US scientists.
A new study confirms other recent research: natural gas used in homes (in this case, from the Boston metropolitan area) contains varying levels of volatile organic chemicals that are toxic when washed, have been linked to cancer, and can form harmful secondary pollutantssuch as particulate matter and ozone.
Research was conducted by several academic institutions: Center for Climate, Health and Global Environment at Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, PSE Healthy Energy, Atmospheric and Environmental Research (AER), Gas Safety Inc., Boston University, and the Home Energy Efficiency Team (HEET). and its results have been published in Environmental Science and Technology.
“Natural gas is well known to be the primary source of methane, a gas that is causing climate change,” said Drew Michanowicz, Harvard Chan C-CHANGE Visiting Scientist and PSE Healthy Energy Chief Scientist. “But most people don’t really take into account that our homes are where the pipeline ends. When natural gas exits it, it may contain health-damaging pollutants as well as climate-damaging pollutants.”
The researchers previously conducted a hazard identification study that evaluated airborne pollutants from unburned natural gas, but not human exposure to these pollutants. So, between December 2019 and May 2021, scientists collected more than 200 samples of unburned natural gas from 69 kitchen stoves and pipes in Greater Boston.
Researchers from these 296 unique chemical compounds identified, 21 of which were designated as hazardous pollutants by the federal government from the air. They also measured the concentration of odorants in natural gas (chemicals that give the gas its characteristic odor) and found that leaks containing about 20 parts per million methane may not have enough odor for humans to detect.
When gas leaks occur, even small amounts of hazardous air pollutants can affect indoor air quality.. Persistent external gas leaks in the distribution system can also degrade outdoor air quality as particulate matter and ozone precursors.
“This study shows that gas appliances such as stoves and ovens can be sources of hazardous chemicals in our homes. even when we are not using them. The same chemicals are likely to be present in leaky gas distribution systems in cities.”ijo Jonathan Buonocore is a co-author and research scientist at Harvard Chan C-CHANGE.
“Policymakers and utilities can better educate consumers about how natural gas is delivered to homes and the potential health risks. preventing gas appliances and gas pipes leaking under the streets and making alternatives more accessible.
Given this situation, the researchers suggested a series of measures that legislators and individuals could take to reduce the health risks posed by the use of natural gas in the home.
Increasing ventilation is one of the most accessible and important actions. reduce indoor pollution sources. Opening windows and turning on outside ventilation while cooking are simple steps that can reduce the risk of indoor exposure.
If you smell gas, leave the building and call your company immediately. To assess if there is a leak in or near your home,” the researchers say.
Reference research: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.1c08298
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