Methane (CH4)is a combination of carbon and hydrogen. While it’s not a primary gas, this powerful yet undetectable substance is present almost everywhere. It’s a product of landfill and animal waste, as well as natural gas from humans. Yes, what you expelout of your body is actually a potent chemical.
Industries like livestock farming, petroleum, coal, and wastewater treatment emit massive amounts of methane daily,which can stay in the atmosphere for up to 15 years.
How Can It Be Harmful?
Similar to carbon dioxide, methane is categorized as one of the most environmentally damaging greenhouse gases since its emissions contribute significantly to global warming. Some industrial outfits have resorted to exercising strict procedures in monitoring and regulating their methane output. Others have installed devices like the tunable diode laser gas analyzerto detect and analyze industrial gas in the air.
Apart from its negative effects on the environment, methane also poses health risks. Cases of respiratory difficulties have been linked to exposure to the gas, whiledirect inhalation causesasphyxia that leads to suffocation or unconsciousness. Pneumonitis or the acute inflammation of the lungs can be another side effect.Symptoms of this condition includeshortness of breath, coughing fits, lack of appetite, fatigue, and weight loss. If left untreated, it can prove fatal.
In industrial workplaces, unregulated levels of this combustible gas can be considered a safety hazard. Any excessive amount may result in sudden fires on top of its adverse effects on human health.
How Can It Be Managed?
Simple thingslike managing waste should be adopted to effectively minimize the release of this gas into the atmosphere. Implementing a strict trash segregation system – separating non-biodegradable from biodegradable materials – must also be observed. The latter must be converted into compost or bioenergyto remove the methane component in the waste.
Another way to control this gas is by installing devices, like a TDL analyzer,at your base of operations. This is especially crucial in establishments that produce vast amounts of methane. Farms, factories, and industries that burn fossil fuelscan monitor their emissions with this instrument.
If you run any of the businesses mentioned above, consider investing in a tunable diode laser gas analyzer. You can search online for companies that supply this useful device today.