Almost 300 Harmful Chemical Substances Detected in Natural Gas; How Dangerous is Our Kitchen Stove to Our Health?

A new study recently looked at the natural gas supply in more than 60 households across the Greater Boston area from December 2019 until May 2021.

While found to be low in concentration, "at least 21 hazardous chemical compounds" were discovered in household natural gas, some of which are associated with cancer, an IFL Science report specified.

When one flicks on a kitchen gas stove, he is not just getting a delivery of pure methane fresh from the Earth's bowels.

As indicated in the new research, the domestic gas supply used for cooking and heating in the United States may be aced with small amounts of toxic chemicals, as well, some of which, as mentioned, are linked to certain conditions like cancer.

Almost 300 Chemical Compounds in Natural Gas

The new study, published in the Environmental Science & Technology journal, found that natural gas contained irregular levels of nearly 300 unique chemical compounds, 21 of which are designed federally as dangerous air pollutants.

The researchers found that this cocktail of chemicals could be making its way into homes when households are not using any appliances.

According to research scientist Jonathan Buonocore, from Harvard Chan C-CHANGE, the study has revealed that gas appliances such as ovens and stoves can be a source of dangerous chemicals in the homes even when not in use.

He added the same chemicals are likely to be present too, "in leaking gas distribution systems in cities and up the supply chain."

Increased Risk of Developing Blood Disorders

One of the most alarming chemicals detected in domestic gas was benzene. Identified in 95 percent of samples, the chemical present in tobacco smoke, as well as car exhaust fumes that has been associated with an increased threat of developing leukemia, as well as other blood disorders.

Two other concerning discoveries were toluene and xylene, both toxic chemicals that can affect many organs, from gastrointestinal systems, as well as lungs to kidney and heart.

Other chemicals' concentration was somewhat small compared to the prime ingredient of the natural gas, which is methane, although the study authors have suggested the levels are high and strong enough to raise concern.

They noted too, how levels of hazardous chemicals tend to change by place and time of the year, with levels being the highest during the colder winter season.

The study's lead author, Drew Michanowicz, a visiting scientist at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health said during the press conference, Natural is mostly methane "like pizza sauce, is mostly tomatoes."

He also said that there are other trace ingredients in pizza sauce like the need to add salt, pepper, and oregano.

Harmless Yet Pungent-Smelling Gas

Another worrying find was the odorants' concentration in consumer-grade natural gas, the harmless yet pungent-smelling gas added to natural gas to provide it with a giveaway smell in the event of a leak.

In some of the samples, the scientists said they discovered levels of odorants that would be difficult to smell in a small leak.

Given their study findings, the researchers on the project have suggested some policy changes, like forcing gas pipeline companies to gauge and report more detailed information on the natural gas's composition.

Another proposal is for the state authorities to gauge leaked, unburned natural gas in the ambient to understand further, the danger to the public.

Report about the recent study on natural gas is shown on PSEHealthEnergy's YouTube video below:

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