According to a Stanford University study released today, gas cookers have the same effect on the environment as half-a million cars.
Humans have used fire to cook for thousands of years. But, our association with fire and food might need to change in order for the good of the environment.
The problem is the 40 million US-based cookers that leak unused methane. It occurs during incomplete combustion and post-meter leaks, according to researchers.
According to the synopsis included in the report, natural gas cooking appliances release methane mostly through small, persistent leaked and, while in use, it damages the climate. Environmental Science & Technology Thursday.
There is a lot of research on gas leaks from pipes, but very little has been done on natural gas-burning cooking devices in our homes, according to Eric Lebel, a Stanford staff scientist and the lead author of this study.
Surprisingly there are not many measurements of the amount of natural gas that escapes from buildings and homes through leaks or incomplete combustion from appliances. He maintains that leaking gas is not only harmful to the environment but also bad for air quality.
The study examined 53 stoves in California kitchens, many of which were located in guesthouses. They were then covered with plastic seals to trap the gas. Most of the methane released from stoves was discovered when they were turned off. Although gas is cleaner than coal, it has a lot less benefit when you consider the number and severity of gas appliances.
Researchers found that methane, despite being more abundant in carbon dioxide, has a greater potential to warm the planet for 20 years.
Natural gas providers and legislators are currently debating the value of natural gasoline. Some cities, including New York City, Oakland, San Jose and the Bay Area San Francisco and Berkeley, have removed natural gas mains to allow for the construction of new buildings. However, consumers prefer gas to electric appliances, which are more expensive to run and may not perform as well.