Methane Levels in Air Lower Due to Leakage Control

Despite an increase in methane-generating activities, such as drilling for fossil fuels, researchers have found that the amount of methane concentrations in the atmosphere have dropped over the past few decades, according to Climate Central.

A team of atmospheric chemists have investigated and attribute this phenomenon to significantly diminished methane leakage from oil and gas wells.

Methane is a greenhouse gas that traps heat even more efficiently then carbon dioxide and can be produced both naturally and artificially. Methane naturally occurs from wetlands, gas hydrates, permafrost, termites, oceans, freshwater bodies, and non-wetland soils. It is also created by fossil fuel production, animal husbandry (enteric fermentation in livestock and manure management), rice cultivation, biomass burning, and waste management.

This discovery seems favorable to our environment, but researchers’ have also found that hydraulic fracturing (fracking) may cause these levels to increase again. Additionally, some scientists claim that even if current levels of emissions from drilling and agriculture are maintained, gas deposits trapped under the sea floor may escape in large amounts and create more methane in the air.

“Although methane is not considered a toxic compound, it is an asphyxiant is highly flammable and contributes to global warming,” states Michael Chapman, Chemistry Laboratory Manager at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “EMSL, one of the nation’s leading testing laboratories, uses validated testing methods to analyze methane in air samples.”

For more information on EMSL’s testing services, please contact EMSL at (800) 220-3675, visit www.EMSL.com, or email  info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of consumer product, environmental, industrial hygiene, food, and materials testing services to professionals and the general public. In addition, the company offers a large variety of air sampling equipment, sampling cassettes, and monitoring equipment. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations, as well as state and federal regulating bodies. They include, but are not limited to AIHA IHLAP, AIHA EMLAP, AIHA ELLAP, A2LA, NVLAP, CDC Elite, CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX Department of State Health Services, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website for a complete listing of accreditations.
 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com