Year-old study: Ethanol emissions worse than gas
We’re exposed to significantly fewer emissions from ethanol burning engines so, while it’s true that emissions from diesel and gas burning autos cause more illness in people, it doesn’t mean ethanol is harmless. I was interested in what evidence there was to the effects of ethanol emissions on people, and surprisingly, I found only ONE study. (Hopefully I missed a few dozen!)
Way back in April of 2007 – now more than a year ago – the American Chemical Society’s online journal published the results of a study done by Standford atmospheric scientist, Mark Z. Jacobson. You can read the paper here (PDF).
The San Francisco Chronicle did a wonderful job of summing up the results, and checking them out with other scientists who supported his methods:
Pollution from ethanol would be riskier than pollution from gasoline because when ethanol breaks down in the atmosphere, it generates considerably more ozone. Ozone is a highly corrosive gas that damages the delicate tissues of the lungs. In fact, it’s so corrosive that it can crack rubber and wear away statues, Jacobson told The Chronicle.
While he was attacked by the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights for working with a university that accepts funding from ExxonMobile, the results of his other studies show no bias toward oil companies, and even his critics said his study was sound.
As of yet, I haven’t found any studies that were able to refute Jacobson’s methods or his results.
This is a good example of an interest group using environmental issues to further their own agendas, and the problems that they cause. While many scientists are calling ethanol a “transitional” fuel, my fear is we may wait too long to accept the risks of this alternative.
In addition, especially because we live in the Midwest and near a VeraSun plant – where my nieces’ father works – are the harmful emissions that stay near the production areas. My 34 year old (former) BIL had a heart attack last year. He’s a little overweight and heart problems run in his family, but still – so young for something like that. I’m wondering now how much of a factor these toxins had on his health problems. How will effect those of us living nearby? It’s an important question we all need to start asking.
Please remember, now through July 4th, you can comment to win a free Rand McNally atlas, made from trees grown in sustainable forests and incorporating less harmful chemicals. (Especially important when carried in the glove compartment during a summer trip!) Or you can grab one at their website. ;)
Source: SF Chronicle, CleanTech
You gave us the reason for the study on Ethanol in your report; Exxon wanted to show that ethanol posses hazards too. I point out that Exxon now produces ethanol based fuels like the other profitable fuel companies.
As for your former Brother in Law? It is tragic that he died. I am sure that your nieces miss him very much. To attempt to attribute his death to ethanol fumes is like my attributing a fellow High School track teammates heart attach to the dye in his clothing. People die and we don’t really know why many times. I will pray for his children.
Hemp also is used to produce Methanol. It has dangers also. There are many other uses for hemp. The Declaration of Independence was written on Hemp Paper. How many Tree Based paper documents have been around for 200 or even 100 years that remain in such good condition?
Regis, this post is about ethanol. Hemp has a lot to offer, and there’s no logical reason it shouldn’t be a legally grown crop. Just not – imo – for ethanol production.
My brother in law didn’t pass away. He had a heart attack. It was still very traumatic for his family, and I appreciate the well-wishes, but air quality does have a big impact on health. Anyone interested in that topic can do more research at the website for the American Lung Association.
Thanks for stopping by. :)
It is a proven fact that scores of people die every year because of Radon. There is nothing we can do to stop the production of radon. Elephants, Cattle, Water buffaloes, Monkeys, People produce Millions Millions of cubic feet of Methane every day. Methane hurts the environment. Are we going to stop farting? NO NO NO!
What I am saying is we need to expand upon and use alternative fuels as they become available. Alternative means no toxic. Aerosols in spray cans hurt the environment but I am still going to use my anti-aspirants. The fact is that the Earth has been cursed and in decline ever since Adam ate the forbidden fruit. We can’t do anything about that. Radon is the Earth decaying.
I am glad to know your BIL is alive and I will still pray for him. God bless you.
You could use one of these. I promise, they aren’t even sharp. :p
I don’t think this is an issue we’re going to agree on, and I’m okay with that. There won’t be one solution to emissions problems, and each one presented is going to have its own pros and cons.
Thanks for the deodorant recommendation. Before I spend $10 US on a product I have to wait a week to get, I will go out to Wall-Mart and get what I use for $3.50.
It was interesting discussing things with such a calm and intelligent person. I live in the USA where most of the cars are and where a large portion of activity on R&D for fuel alternatives is going on.
Thanks for the conversation and Good Bye
Gary L Wyatt aka Regis