This is even more bad news for natural gas furnace owners. Another shocking study has been published raising questions about the safety of natural gas. A peer-reviewed study conducted by PSE Healthy Energy and Stanford University found that natural gas odorant levels are not standardized and that odorants are often underutilized so that leaks cannot be detected by people with “an average sense of smell.”
An odorant is added to natural gas (sometimes called methane gas) before it is pumped into homes, which is the only real line of defense against toxic leaks.
The researchers collected and analyzed 587 natural gas samples from 481 residences in 17 North American cities. Samples were tested for methane, benzene, hazardous air pollutants and sulfur-based odorants. The researchers simulated the amount of leaking gas that would be undetectable to residents with ordinary sense of smell.
This is even more bad news for natural gas furnace owners.
CNET spoke with PSE scientist Sebastian Rowland, who led the study, and he candidly said the inconsistent and often too low levels of odorants found in natural gas are “a major cause for concern,” Also another in the long list of reported hazards associated with natural gas.
“While these smaller leaks are not large enough to cause gas explosions, leaks that are difficult to smell are common,” Rowland said. “They are so small that they are difficult to identify and repair, which can lead to the continued presence of benzene and Source of methane.”
Rowland stopped short of calling for a ban on natural gas, but stressed that these studies should be taken seriously and that those with natural gas stoves should use it wisely. Develop preventive measures Prevent breathing air pollution.
Vancouver’s benzene levels are 50 times higher than some cities
A 2022 study found that gas furnaces leak more than previously thought.
The study also showed significant differences in benzene levels in natural gas in North American cities. On average, natural gas delivered to homes in Vancouver, Los Angeles, Calgary and Denver contains twice as much benzene as in other cities. Vancouver has particularly high benzene levels, nearly 50 times higher than the city with the lowest concentration, Boston.
Benzene, a chemical found in natural gas, is known to cause respiratory complications, acute myeloid leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
read more: Two shocking studies could spark debate over gas stove bans
Multiple studies show natural gas furnaces can be dangerous
Natural gas furnaces have been criticized over the past few years.
Other research Articles published over the past few years have raised questions about the safety of natural gas in homes. One study found more natural gas furnaces are leaking than previously thought, while another study shows increased levels of natural gas in homes are leading to an increase in asthma cases in children. Just this past May, Stanford University published a study showing that people who live in small homes and apartments are at much greater risk than those who live in larger homes.
A recent class action lawsuit filed against Whirlpool claims the appliance giant concealed the risks of emissions from gas furnaces. To protect ourselves, we designed this Gas stove safety guide to reduce the risk of contamination.
