Effects of Methane Gas
Pfft! That was the sound of methane gas being released by your body. Methane gas has many more effects, both on the human body and on our environment, than merely making a stink. From poisonous methane gas in mines and sewers to increasing the greenhouse effect, not everyone is laughing about methane gas.
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Facts
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Methane, CH4, is a molecule that is created predominantly by bacteria that feed on organic material. In wet areas, where there isn't a lot of oxygen, methane is created by anaerobic bacteria. Some of the methane is trapped as a gas or a solid, or is dissolved or eaten. The rest is released into the atmosphere, where it is converted into carbon dioxide and water vapor, explains Gavin Schmidt, a researcher with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Causes
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"About 60 percent of all methane in the atmosphere is believed to be caused by human activities," according to an April 30, 2007, article in USA Today. Fossil fuels, cattle and sheep, landfills and rice paddies, and forest fires are the main human-related sources of methane. Natural sources include oceans, wetlands, gas hydrate deposits in the ocean floor, permafrost, termites, freshwater bodies and non-wetland soil.
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Environmental Effects
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Methane is 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat in our atmosphere, according to the USA Today article. "Potent methane is an overlooked greenhouse gas." Controlling methane emissions would constitute a major step toward limiting climate change because concentrations of atmospheric methane gas have risen more than 150 percent since 1750. "Methane gas may account for one-third of climate warming from well-mixed greenhouse gases between the 1750s and today," according to a NASA report. Methane gas stays in the atmosphere for 12 years.
Human Health Risks
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When you first start eating a healthful diet and seem to be producing more flatulence than you're used to, this is a good sign that your body is adjusting to the new diet, according to BodyandFitness.com. However, methane gas poisoning is much more serious than flatulence. Prolonged exposure to the gas caused by sewer gas, leaking pipes, and large releases of methane gas in confined areas, such as mines, can be fatal. If you suspect methane gas poisoning, evacuate immediately and call 9-1-1. Do not ignite a flame. Methane it is very flammable.
Common symptoms of methane gas poisoning include dizziness, headaches, nausea, drowsiness and unconsciousness. Methane gas poisoning can lead to hydrogen sulfide poisoning, asphyxiation, and explosion and fire, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. If you believe you have these symptoms, seek immediate medical care.
Considerations
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Methane can be burned to generate electricity. Many pig, cow and poultry farms in several countries are helping control methane emissions by converting methane to a power source. Controlling methane emissions can significantly slow global warming, according to NASA. Home test kits are available to detect methane gas.
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