Living near fossil gas leaks can seriously harm your health

Scientists use leaked methane to map toxic health threats in affected communities.

India Bourke reports for the BBC.

In short:

• Communities in the Permian Basin are experiencing health risks from pollutants released by oil and gas production.
• Studies link these pollutants to premature deaths and childhood asthma, with a significant annual health bill in the US.
• New technologies are helping to detect and map methane leaks, potentially reducing exposure to harmful emissions.

Key quote: 

"The highest concentrations of these non-methane hydrocarbons are in gas at wellheads, which also have the highest emission rates."

— Amy Townsend-Small, professor and climate scientist at the University of Cincinnati

Why this matters: 

Living near fossil gas infrastructure poses severe health risks, including respiratory issues and cancer. Detecting and reducing methane emissions can improve air quality and public health outcomes. Read more: Oil and gas production responsible for $77 billion in annual US health damages.