Natural Gas Use Improves Air Quality

Annually, 8.8 million people worldwide die due to air pollution. According to a report published in the European Heart Journal under the signature of Professor Thomas Münzel, the number of deaths caused by air pollution exceeds those caused by tobacco use.

"According to World Health Organization data, one of the most important causes of air pollution is high-emission fuels such as wood and coal used for heating," said Özgür Şahin, General Coordinator of Üçay Mühendislik, pointing out that natural gas produces 25 times less solid particle emissions during combustion compared to wood and coal, and added: "There is a direct correlation between natural gas use and air quality."

According to research conducted by Professor Thomas Münzel and his team from Mainz University, 8.8 million people worldwide die prematurely each year due to air pollution. The research published in the European Heart Journal also proves that the number of deaths caused by air pollution exceeds those from tobacco products. Research findings show that air pollution is a cause of cardiovascular disorders as well as lung diseases.

NATURAL GAS USE SHOULD INCREASE IN PLACE OF WOOD AND COAL

Pointing out that air pollution is one of Turkey's major problems, Özgür Şahin, General Coordinator of Üçay Mühendislik, stated: "According to the World Health Organization, the main causes of air pollution are chemicals from industry and fuels used for heating in homes. Air pollution seen outside industrial zones is directly caused by the use of wood and coal for heating purposes. When these substances undergo combustion, heavy metals such as arsenic and mercury present in them are released into the atmosphere. Substances such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide resulting from combustion are pollutants that directly cause lung and respiratory tract damage. However, the solid particle emissions from natural gas combustion are 25 times lower than those from wood and coal. For this reason, natural gas is safer from a human health perspective," he said.

MINISTRY DATA CONFIRMS NATURAL GAS'S IMPACT ON AIR QUALITY

Stating that there is a direct correlation between natural gas use and air cleanliness, Özgür Şahin, General Coordinator of Üçay Mühendislik, shared the following information: "With the introduction of natural gas use throughout Turkey, according to data from the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, a 29 percent reduction in air pollution burden was achieved between 2007 and 2010, while a 43 percent improvement was observed in sulfur dioxide levels. Prior to 2000, according to world standards, the maximum 150 microgram of sulfur dioxide per cubic meter of air had risen to 2,330 micrograms in Istanbul. Today, despite increases in the number of industrial facilities and vehicles, air quality in all our cities is better compared to previous years. This is due to the increase in natural gas use."

"NATURAL GAS IS MORE ECONOMICAL THAN ALL OTHER ALTERNATIVES"

Noting that natural gas is more affordable in terms of price contrary to common belief, Özgür Şahin stated: "Natural gas, which is an environmentally friendly source, is also more economical than all other alternatives. With natural gas, a home's heating, kitchen stove, and hot water needs are met comfortably. While meeting these needs, very low bills are paid for much of the year. However, when coal is used for heating, gas cylinders in the kitchen, and electric systems for hot water needs, costs will be higher. When you add annual home painting and renovation costs to this, the figures will increase further. Citizens should choose natural gas by considering both public health and their budgets."