What Gases Should Be Monitored?
There are many types of gas present in the atmosphere. A large proportion of gases are harmless and do not need to be monitored. However, some gases need to be carefully monitored as they can harm the planet, animals and humans that live on earth. These harmful gases can be produced as a result of manufacturing, are emitted when extracting natural resources from the planet and can be produced by the decaying of organic materials. This article looks at the gases that need to be monitored to protect the environment and human health.
Carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide is produced by all living animals, including humans. When we breathe, we take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is also emitted during several manufacturing processes, and cars also generate carbon dioxide while they are running. Carbon dioxide is a key contributor to global warming; it is the primary greenhouse gas which causes the greenhouse effect. By definition, the greenhouse effect occurs when the sun's heat is trapped in the atmosphere instead of being able to escape. The trapping of the sun's heat increases the temperature of the planet and the seas. The greenhouse effect is slowly melting the ice caps and causing extreme weather conditions as the earth's temperature increases. Every business is under significant pressure to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide they emit into the atmosphere; governments and environmental bodies are exerting this pressure. Therefore, it is one of the gases that need to be closely monitored all over the world.
Methane
Methane is another harmful greenhouse gas; methane is produced in some industrial processes and when natural materials are extracted from the ground. When oil and coal are mined, natural gas, which contains methane, can be released into the atmosphere. Natural gas is contained beneath the earth's surface; it is extracted and used for heating houses and cooking. When natural gas is extracted, some methane can leak into the atmosphere, causing issues to the environment. Methane is also produced in landfills when organic waste breaks down. Any organisation that produces or uses methane needs to monitor it carefully, to minimise the amount that is accidentally leaked into the atmosphere. A methane gas monitor provides accurate readings used to identify leaks in numerous applications, including in landfill sites, manufacturing and when fossil fuels are extracted from the ground.
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a very dangerous gas that can result in poisoning and death if enough gas enters a person's bloodstream. Carbon monoxide poisoning causes approximately 60 deaths each year in England and Wales. Carbon Monoxide or CO is produced whenever fuels do not burn thoroughly. This includes fuels such as coal, wood and natural gas. This gas is odourless and colourless, so it can go undetected unless carbon monoxide alarms or detectors are put in place. Carbon monoxide issues can come from faulty boilers and blocked chimneys in homes; this gas should be monitored in all homes and enclosed residential areas to prevent poisoning and, in the worst cases, death. Carbon monoxide is also a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.
Hydrogen sulphide
Hydrogen sulphide is not a greenhouse gas, but it is very dangerous if breathed in; it can cause respiratory issues. Once hydrogen sulphide has done its damage to the human body, there is no easy way to reverse its effects. Hydrogen sulphide is released when bacteria break down plant and animal waste. This happens in a number of different locations, including landfill sites, bogs and swamps, sewage treatment facilities, and animal waste facilities. Hydrogen sulphide is also released from volcanoes and hot springs, you may recognise it from the distinct smell of rotten eggs. The level of hydrogen sulphide needs to be monitored to prevent high levels that can lead to poisoning. The monitoring of hydrogen sulphide is especially important when produced or used in closed environments where employees work. Gas detectors and gas monitoring systems can identify the level of hydrogen sulphide in the atmosphere and indicate when the levels are getting too high.
Many gases are monitored through industrial processes to prevent poisoning and minimise global warming. These are just a few examples of such gases that should be carefully monitored.