The Alternative Green Energy Thread

QrizB

I agree that natural gas in the home is not risk-free and people should be aware of the hazards.

Environmental Research Letters is an open-access journal and the original research article is available freely here:

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ae499f

Considering the thread we're discussing this in, I would note that there's benzene in both petrol and diesel and that operating a motor vehicle exposes the occupants and the general public to fuel vapours.

NedS

I would think the risks are extremely low. Natural gas is lighter than air, so outdoors or in a ventilated environment will quickly dissipate.

In a closed environment without adequate ventilation, I would think the immediate risk of explosion poses a far greater risk than catching cancer from any potential long term exposure to carcinogens present in natural gas.

Where the risks may be elevated would be cases where there are continuous low level leakages in closed environments causing prolonged exposure. Such leakages would be most likely to occur in kitchens in domestic settings, but luckily most kitchens have mechanical extraction located high up which should vent any such leakages preventing long term build up and exposure.

I'm more concerned about the risks from burning the natural gas (benzene) and the CO2 that process emits.

thevilla

It is however just adding to the cumulative effects of breathing carcinogenic products of fossil burning. Take a deep breath when waiting to cross the road. (Actually don't).

QrizB

Indoor air quality can be a problem, especially in a modern nearly-airtight home. The Passivhaus standard, for example, calls for fewer than 0.6 air changes per hour vs. perhaps 3 air changes per hour in traditional construction.

OTOH my 1950s semi leaks air like a sieve; I have two open chimneys, half my glazing is 1980s single-glazed uPVC and there are 3-4 windows open whenever it's above freezing.

The report states:

modeled benzene concentrations were highly sensitive to air exchange rates

and it's good to see they've recognised this.

Under their "windows open 24h a day" scenario even their worst measured case gave indoor benzene levels around half the WHO reference level.

silverwhistle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81942711#Comment_81942711

A heat pump is next on my list for later this year.

I haven't delved into this thread for some time and was reminded why not: "I cannot understand why governments and councils continue to wage war on motorists". It occasionally gets a bit too tabloid..

Netexporter

Actually, I fibbed. I've still got the motor mower, although I use Aspen synthetic fuel in that, which is far less choking to breathe. However, the robot mower is waiting patiently for me and some suitable weather to coincide so that I can fit the outdoor sockets for the charging station and the guidance beacon. Then I can take to my deck chair! (if it wasn't for the pesky 54674538734653498 long list of other jobs)

JKenH

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81943041#Comment_81943041

Ah, but at least my tabloid style got you to engage.

JKenH

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81943002#Comment_81943002

I wonder how many people actually cook with windows open, particularly in winter when a hot meal is more welcoming. Certain cultures/communities do prefer cooking with a gas flame to electricity and equally those cultures/communities may prefer warmer rooms. As a consequence certain communities may be more adversely impacted than others. Equally those communities might be more resistant to change.

thevilla

Induction hobs with a cooker hood do a good job 👍

JKenH

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81943561#Comment_81943561

Indeed, although we don’t have one as we have a slot in electric cooker. The cost of induction hobs ( purchase and running) is potentially an obstacle but on heath grounds there is a case to be made for, at least, banning their installation in new build properties. Bizarrely, gas boilers are banned in new builds but not gas hobs. I wonder why.