When you think about EPA carbon emissions standards, you probably think of carbon dioxide or CO2. While it’s true that EPA carbon emissions standards do focus heavily on CO2, other gases out there have the potential to be harmful to the environment, including methane.

Methane is a natural gas that is used in the production of chemicals among other things, and it is also a fuel source. Landfills give off methane in abundance due to decaying matter producing the gas, but you can also find large methane deposits in swampy areas.

How Does Methane Differ From CO2?

While carbon dioxide and methane are both considered greenhouse gases, methane is more potent. At the same time, methane breaks down faster than CO2. Methane also produces carbon dioxide when it burns.

Both gases are a concern regarding climate change, and both are naturally produced. In fact, methane is generated in the stomachs of termites, and CO2 is what mammals breathe out during the conversion of oxygen in the body. Plants then breathe in the CO2 and produce oxygen.

Are These Gases Dangerous?

Both methane and carbon dioxide can be dangerous in high concentrations. Methane is flammable, so caution should be exercised around large quantities of methane. Carbon dioxide is not flammable, but in high concentrations, it can be a health hazard. The gas itself is not toxic, but if CO2 displaces oxygen in a confined area, it can lead to suffocation. This is why ventilation in homes, vehicles and other indoor or enclosed spaces is important for humans.

Efforts to Curb Methane and CO2

Considering that methane and carbon dioxide are both greenhouse gases that have the potential to contribute to changes in the climate, scientists continue to work on ways to mitigate the effects of these gases on the environment. In some cases, carbon capture equipment is used to pull carbon dioxide from the air. In others, filters are used to trap methane before it has a chance to accumulate in one area.

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Emily Clarke is providing info about a single platform for your oil and gas software solutions. You can find her thoughts at oil supply chain software blog.