The Problem – Methane Gas Emissions
Methane is the second most abundant gas, after carbon dioxide and about 80 times more powerful than CO2 as a GHG in a 20-year period. What most people don’t know, is it causes more than one million premature deaths a year as a driver of tropospheric ozone formation.
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas trapping 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide, making it a major contributor to climate change. Without drastic cuts in methane emissions, we cannot keep temperatures below 1.5. In fact, according to the UN Environment Program, methane has accounted for roughly 30% of climate change since pre-industrial times.
- It is a short-lived air pollutant – it has an atmospheric life of 12 years.
- Has caused more than 30% of current global warming so far.
- Main methane sources: the fossil fuel industry, agriculture, and biomass waste.
Methane is a colorless, odorless, and highly flammable gas that is not directly harmful to human health in low concentrations. While methane itself may or may not be causing your health issues, the fallout from methane that escapes into the atmosphere can wreak havoc on public health.
Here are some key points regarding methane gas emissions and their potential impact on human health:
Air Quality
Methane’s combustion can produce other pollutants that can affect air quality.
Occupational Risks
Workers in certain industries may be exposed to higher concentrations of methane. While methane itself is not toxic, the risk arises from its flammability and the potential for oxygen displacement in confined spaces.
Methane Migration
In some cases, methane may migrate from underground sources to the surface, contaminating groundwater or entering buildings.
Indirect Health Effects
The primary concern related to methane emissions is their contribution to climate change. Higher temperatures also make ozone (smog) worse and increase heat-related deaths. They impact food and water supplies, and lead to an increase in disease from mosquitos and ticks. The resulting environmental changes can have indirect effects on human health, such as increased heat-related illnesses, the spread of infectious diseases, and disruptions to food and water supplies.