"Researchers at the California-based non-profit science institute PSE Healthy Energy created a first-of-its-kind interactive map using data from more than 1,300 major methane leaks across the country to model the spread of dangerous air pollutants released during each event. Methane, the primary component of natural gas, is a potent greenhouse gas. When it leaks from oil and gas infrastructure due to equipment failure, malfunctions, or ruptures, the plume acts as a carrier for a wide array of hazardous co-pollutants,"
"The team found that 127,000 Americans and over 100 sensitive facilities like schools and hospitals are located within two miles of major oil and gas leaks. This exposes vulnerable populations to an invisible, odorless, and harmful mix of pollutants, with risks increasing with higher concentrations and longer exposure times. Long-term exposure to the toxic mix of chemicals has strong links to leukemia, permanent damage to the central nervous system, organ damage, and mental illness. The initial plume from a leak can last from minutes to several hours."
An interactive map models spread of air pollutants from more than 1,300 major methane leaks across the United States. Methane leaks carry volatile co-pollutants including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene, all known human carcinogens. About 127,000 Americans and over 100 sensitive facilities such as schools and hospitals lie within two miles of major oil and gas leak sites. Exposure to this toxic chemical mix raises cancer and neurological risks, with links to leukemia, permanent central nervous system and organ damage. VOCs can contaminate soil and groundwater and off-gas for years, creating persistent low-level exposure. New Mexico reported over 770 leak sites; benzene often exceeded safety benchmarks.
Read at Mail Online
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]