Natural Gas: Friend Or Foe To Our Air?

Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is often touted as a clean energy source. However, its extraction and use contribute to air pollution, water pollution, and climate change. The burning of natural gas releases carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere, increasing CO2 levels, trapping heat, and contributing to global warming. Leaks during extraction, production, and transportation also release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Additionally, the infrastructure and processes required for natural gas development and distribution can result in air pollution and water pollution, with disproportionate impacts on vulnerable communities.

Natural gas is a fossil fuel that releases carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere

Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is often touted as a clean energy source. However, it contributes to air pollution by releasing carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. When burned for energy, natural gas releases fewer emissions of most air pollutants and carbon dioxide (CO2) compared to coal or petroleum products. Nevertheless, it still emits significant amounts of CO2, which contributes to global climate change.

The combustion of natural gas produces nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are precursors to smog, as well as small amounts of sulfur, mercury, and particulates. The extraction, production, and transportation of natural gas can also lead to methane leaks, which are particularly harmful as methane is a potent greenhouse gas. Studies indicate that methane emissions have spiked dramatically since 2002, largely due to increased natural gas extraction in the United States.

The use of natural gas in homes through gas-powered appliances can worsen indoor air quality and has been linked to respiratory issues such as asthma in children. Additionally, the construction and drilling processes required for natural gas development can disturb vegetation, soil, and water resources, leading to further environmental impacts.

While natural gas may be cleaner-burning than some other fossil fuels, it is still a significant contributor to air pollution and climate change. The branding of natural gas as a "'clean" and "natural" energy source has been criticized as a marketing strategy by the fossil fuel industry to downplay its environmental impacts. To address climate goals and limit global warming, a transition to carbon-free energy sources like wind and solar is necessary.

Natural gas leaks can cause explosions and contribute to air pollution

Natural gas is a fossil fuel, comprising mostly methane, with carbon dioxide and water vapour also present. It is highly combustible, and when burned, it releases fewer emissions of most types of air pollutants and carbon dioxide than other fossil fuels, such as coal or petroleum. However, it still emits a large amount of carbon into the atmosphere, and leaks during extraction and transportation are common.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published guidelines on releasing natural gas to reduce methane and other harmful air pollutants from the oil and natural gas industries. Strict government regulations and industry standards are in place to ensure the safe transportation, storage, distribution, and consumption of natural gas. However, despite these regulations, studies have reported that the EPA substantially underestimates—by 50 to 100%—actual methane leakage.

In addition to contributing to outdoor air pollution, natural gas can also cause indoor air pollution when used in gas-powered home appliances, such as stovetops and ovens. These appliances can release nitrogen dioxide in amounts above safe limits and other toxic chemicals linked to illnesses such as asthma and cancer.

Natural gas infrastructure and processing plants are often built near low-income communities and communities of color, causing these vulnerable communities to bear the brunt of the pollution's harmful health effects.

Gas appliances can worsen indoor air quality and cause respiratory issues

The combustion of natural gas produces nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are precursors to smog, and small amounts of sulfur, mercury, and particulates. Gas appliances, such as cooktops and ovens, can negatively impact indoor air quality by releasing these harmful pollutants into the air. A 2013 meta-analysis of 41 studies found a link between gas cooking and increased asthma risk in children, with NO2 exposure associated with wheezing. Another study attributed 12.7% of childhood asthma cases in the US to gas stove use.

Gas appliances can also emit carbon monoxide, which can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even loss of consciousness or death at higher concentrations. In 2018, residential gas appliances in California released approximately 12,000 tons of carbon monoxide and 15,900 tons of nitrogen oxides.

The use of gas appliances indoors can worsen respiratory issues and cause other health problems. Exposure to nitrogen oxides, which are common in gas cooking, has been linked to asthma and other illnesses. The American Lung Association recommends transitioning away from fuel-burning appliances to protect health and the environment.

To improve indoor air quality and reduce health risks, it is essential to ensure proper ventilation when using gas appliances. Using range hoods in the kitchen and keeping windows open during and after cooking can help reduce the concentration of pollutants. Additionally, maintaining appliances in good working order and installing carbon monoxide detectors are crucial steps to enhance indoor air quality and safety.

In the long term, transitioning to electric appliances, such as induction cooktops and heat pumps, is recommended to significantly improve indoor air quality and reduce pollution. Electric alternatives are more efficient and do not produce the same harmful emissions as gas appliances.

Natural gas infrastructure is often built near low-income communities and communities of colour

Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is a major contributor to air pollution, water pollution, and climate change. The combustion of natural gas produces nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are precursors to smog, and small amounts of sulfur, mercury, and particulates. It also produces large volumes of contaminated water that can pollute land and water bodies if not properly handled, stored, and treated. Natural gas infrastructure, including wells, pipelines, and processing plants, is often built near low-income communities and communities of colour. This proximity to pollution sources has significant impacts on the health and well-being of these vulnerable populations.

Several studies and reports have confirmed the disproportionate impact of natural gas pollution on low-income communities and communities of colour. A study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology found that natural gas pipeline leaks are more prevalent in low-income and predominantly Black and Brown neighbourhoods in U.S. cities. The density of gas leaks increased by nearly 40% in communities of colour compared to white neighbourhoods. This disparity highlights the environmental injustices faced by marginalized groups, who bear the brunt of pollution and its associated health risks.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also recognized the heightened vulnerability of people of colour and low-income individuals to environmental pollutants. In a 2023 analysis, the EPA found that 10% of people in the contiguous U.S. live within three miles of a power plant, with most of these plants being gas-fired. Additionally, the population living near power plants had a higher percentage of people of colour and low-income individuals compared to the national average. This pattern persists across the country, with a higher propensity for power plants to be located in communities of colour and lower-income areas as the diversity of the state increases.

The natural gas industry has been criticized for its deliberate choice of drilling and infrastructure sites, often targeting vulnerable communities. The siting of high-polluting processing plants near homes of low-income people and people of colour exacerbates existing inequalities and places an unfair burden on these communities. The environmental and health impacts of natural gas pollution, including respiratory symptoms, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, disproportionately affect marginalized groups due to their proximity to pollution sources.

To address these injustices, there have been calls for stronger oversight of gas pipeline leaks and a holistic approach to gas system planning. By incorporating demographic data and addressing injustices, gas utilities and regulators can work towards reducing the disproportionate burdens faced by low-income communities and communities of colour impacted by natural gas infrastructure.

Natural gas production can disturb vegetation, soil, and water resources

Natural gas is an efficient, relatively clean-burning, and economical energy source. However, its production and use have some environmental and safety considerations.

The process of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, used to extract natural gas, has been associated with environmental concerns. Fracking involves injecting liquids at high pressure into wells to fracture rock formations and release natural gas. This technique requires large amounts of water, which can impact aquatic habitats and water availability for other purposes. The wastewater generated during fracking may contain dissolved chemicals and contaminants, requiring proper treatment before disposal or reuse. Improper handling of contaminated water can result in pollution of land and water bodies.

Furthermore, natural gas production can generate air pollution through well drilling activities and the operation of engines and compressors at well sites. The combustion of natural gas produces nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to smog formation, and releases small amounts of sulfur, mercury, and particulates. These emissions can have adverse health effects on nearby communities, including respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

The exploration, drilling, and pipeline construction processes can also disturb water resources. The construction of well pads, pipelines, and access roads can lead to erosion and sedimentation, increasing the risk of aquatic contamination from chemical spills or equipment runoff. Additionally, the lowering of groundwater levels during natural gas extraction can result in a reduction of surface water bodies.

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