Natural Gas Burning: Air Pollution And Health Risks

Burning natural gas produces air pollution, including nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and small amounts of sulfur, mercury, and particulates. Natural gas is composed primarily of methane, which is responsible for a significant proportion of greenhouse gas emissions. The combustion of natural gas also produces water vapor and, unlike coal and oil, very small amounts of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, with virtually no ash or particulate matter. Natural gas flaring, a common practice at well sites, produces additional air pollutants, including carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other compounds, depending on the gas composition and burning efficiency. The extraction and production processes of natural gas can also contribute to air pollution and impact local ecosystems and water resources.

Burning natural gas produces carbon dioxide and water vapour

Burning natural gas produces two main byproducts: carbon dioxide and water vapour. Natural gas is composed primarily of methane, which, when burned, turns into carbon dioxide (CO2). The combustion of natural gas also produces small amounts of nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are precursors to smog, as well as sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide, and other reactive hydrocarbons.

Compared to other fossil fuels, natural gas emits the lowest amount of carbon dioxide into the air, making it the cleanest-burning fossil fuel. For this reason, the use of natural gas can help to reduce the emission of harmful pollutants. A report by the Congressional Research Service in 2010 stated that if the utilisation of natural gas-fired power plants were to be doubled, the resulting increase in power generated would displace 19% of the CO2 emissions attributed to coal-fired electricity generation.

However, it is important to consider methane leaks when evaluating the environmental impact of natural gas. Methane is the main component of natural gas and can escape into the atmosphere from valves, pipes, and other parts of gas infrastructure. The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that about 6.5 million metric tons of methane leak from the oil and gas supply chain each year, contributing to climate change.

In addition to the emissions produced by burning natural gas, the production and extraction of natural gas can also have environmental impacts. For example, hydraulic fracturing can produce large amounts of wastewater that may contain dissolved chemicals and other contaminants, requiring proper treatment before disposal or reuse. The construction process for building well pads, pipelines, and access roads can also cause erosion and sedimentation, leading to increased aquatic contamination and habitat fragmentation.

Natural gas flaring produces CO2, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide

Natural gas is a fossil fuel that produces air pollution when burned. In 2022, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimated that US CO2 emissions from burning natural gas for energy accounted for about 35% of total US energy-related CO2 emissions.

Natural gas flaring, a common practice at well sites, produces significant amounts of air pollutants, including carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide. Flaring is often done when it is not economical to transport the gas or when it contains high concentrations of toxic hydrogen sulfide. While flaring is safer than releasing natural gas into the atmosphere, it still contributes to air pollution and climate change.

CO2 emissions from natural gas combustion are lower than those from coal or oil combustion but higher than clean energy sources like wind or solar. The combustion of natural gas also releases small amounts of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other reactive hydrocarbons. Additionally, it emits virtually no particulates into the atmosphere, with emissions 90% lower than oil combustion and 99% lower than burning coal.

The transportation sector, particularly cars, trucks, and buses, is a major contributor to air pollution in the United States. Increasing the use of natural gas in this sector could help combat smog production, especially in urban areas. However, the combustion of natural gas in vehicles still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur, mercury, and particulates.

Overall, while natural gas combustion produces fewer emissions than some other fossil fuels, it still contributes to air pollution and climate change. The release of CO2, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide through natural gas flaring and combustion has environmental and health impacts that need to be addressed to mitigate their effects.

Methane leaks from natural gas infrastructure contribute to climate change

The burning of natural gas produces carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other compounds, depending on the chemical composition of the gas and how well it burns. While natural gas emits fewer particulates into the atmosphere than coal or oil, it still contributes to air pollution and climate change.

Methane is the primary component of natural gas, comprising 70% or more of raw natural gas and over 95% of the processed gas burned for energy. When burned, methane turns into CO2. However, it can escape into the atmosphere from various parts of gas infrastructure, such as valves and pipes, leading to methane leaks. These leaks contribute significantly to climate change. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that approximately 6.5 million metric tons of methane leak from the oil and gas supply chain annually, around 1% of total natural gas production. However, other scientists have reported much higher leak rates, and the actual rates may be challenging to determine due to the colourless and odourless nature of methane.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, trapping significantly more heat in the atmosphere per molecule than CO2. Over a 20-year period, methane is estimated to be 80 to 100 times more warming than CO2. Even over a 100-year timeframe, methane is considered 28 times more warming than CO2. Therefore, reducing methane leaks from natural gas infrastructure is crucial for mitigating climate change. Plata, an expert in the field, emphasizes that improvements to the natural gas system are technically feasible but require political will and enforcement.

The impact of methane leaks from natural gas infrastructure on climate change varies across regions. For example, in regions like the Bakken and Permian, where oil production is the primary focus, companies often opt for flaring, burning off excess gas into the atmosphere instead of investing in the necessary infrastructure to capture it. This practice contributes to higher methane emissions in these regions. Additionally, older and leak-prone infrastructure in some areas exacerbates the problem.

While there is ongoing debate about the exact quantification of methane's warming potential compared to CO2, there is a consensus that reducing methane leaks would have a substantial climate impact. Addressing these leaks is a critical step towards mitigating climate change and achieving the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement.

Natural gas releases virtually no particulates into the atmosphere

Natural gas is often touted as a cleaner alternative to other fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, due to its lower emissions of harmful pollutants. One of the key advantages of natural gas is that it releases virtually no particulates into the atmosphere.

Particulates, such as soot, ash, metals, and other airborne particles, can degrade air quality and have significant respiratory health impacts. A study by the Union of Concerned Scientists in 1998 found that residents in areas with high levels of airborne particulate matter had a 26% greater risk of premature death compared to those in areas with low particulate levels.

The combustion of natural gas produces very small amounts of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide, as well as lower levels of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other reactive hydrocarbons. In comparison, coal and oil have more complex molecules with higher carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur contents, resulting in higher emissions of these harmful pollutants when burned.

While natural gas combustion emits fewer particulates, it is important to consider the full lifecycle of natural gas, including extraction and transportation. Natural gas production and well drilling can result in air pollution from engines and compressors, and the process can produce large volumes of contaminated water that require proper treatment to prevent pollution. Additionally, there is a risk of methane leaks during transportation and distribution, which can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

Overall, while natural gas releases virtually no particulates into the atmosphere during combustion, it is important to consider the broader environmental impacts associated with its production and distribution to fully assess its impact on air quality and climate change.

Natural gas development may contaminate drinking water sources

Natural gas is often touted as a clean energy source, and it is true that it is a more environmentally friendly alternative to coal and petroleum products. Burning natural gas produces fewer emissions of almost all types of air pollutants, including carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxide, and it emits virtually no particulates. However, natural gas is still a fossil fuel, and its production and use have significant environmental and safety implications, including the potential to contaminate drinking water sources.

The process of extracting natural gas through hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, requires large amounts of water – between 1.5 and 15.8 million gallons per well. This water, along with added chemicals, is pumped underground, removing it from the water cycle and reducing the availability of drinking water. The wastewater produced by fracking is too contaminated to be treated and returned to the water cycle, and it poses a risk of contaminating nearby sources of drinking water.

Fracking fluid may contain potentially hazardous chemicals, and if mismanaged, it could be released through spills, leaks, or faulty well construction, contaminating surrounding areas. Additionally, the construction process for building well pads, pipelines, and access roads can cause erosion of dirt, minerals, and other harmful pollutants into nearby streams. A study of hydraulic fracturing impacts in Michigan found that potential environmental impacts included increased erosion and sedimentation, an increased risk of aquatic contamination, habitat fragmentation, and reduced surface waters due to lowered groundwater levels.

The disposal of wastewater is another concern. Wastewater from fracking wells is often injected deep underground into Class II injection wells, which have been linked to an increased risk of earthquakes in the surrounding area. These earthquakes can further increase the potential for groundwater contamination.

In conclusion, while natural gas may be a cleaner-burning fuel source than some alternatives, its development and use can still lead to significant environmental and health risks, including the contamination of drinking water sources. Proper wastewater treatment and disposal are crucial to mitigating these risks.

Frequently asked questions