To settle some of the misinformation that's floating around out there, let's dive into separating myth from fact with the following most popular claims.

Myth: Natural Gas is Explosive

This is only partially true. Natural gas can be ignited, but not without a heat source warmer than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, every gas has a certain concentration level at which it will combust. For natural gas, this range is between 5% and 15% concentration. If natural gas is concentrated within this range it is combustible — otherwise, a clean flame is produced and perfectly safe.

Myth: Natural Gas is Toxic

False. Natural gas cannot make us sick unless it is present in unusually high concentrations to the point where we can no longer breathe. Symptoms of low-level exposure can include headaches, fatigue, and nausea, while high-level exposure can add memory problems, lack of coordination, and loss of consciousness. However, natural gas is non-toxic — meaning it isn't inherently poisonous.

Myth: Natural Gas Stinks

Nope. Natural gas is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. The only case in which it has a sulfuric smell is when an odorizer known as mercaptan is deliberately added to it. That unmistakable rotten egg smell can alert you to a gas leak in your home — but it isn't recommended to rely on this safety precaution alone. Make sure you have a certified CO detector properly installed and regularly change its batteries. If there is a gas leak, do not turn on any appliances or lights and leave the area immediately.

Myth: Natural Gas Isn't Necessary When We Have Wind and Solar

Wind and solar simply don't compare to the availability and reliability of natural gas. People need power regardless of the weather or time of day, and this is where wind and solar fall short. These renewables have their merit, but they make up a very small portion of today's energy mix. More needs to be done to find efficient storage options before they can be viable on a larger scale. In the meantime, natural gas is reliable and available in abundance at any time, regardless of weather.

Myth: Banning Natural Gas Will Reduce CO2 Emissions

If the U.S. were to ban natural gas altogether, production would increase in other countries with less strict environmental regulations. Further dependence on coal-generated power around the world — especially in markets where alternative renewable energy sources don't yet exist — can also be expected. In fact, upwards of 20 countries have turned to coal in recent years. The United States has significantly reduced the importance of coal in its electricity mix because of the abundance of shale gas, not because of renewables. The environmental gap between transitioning from coal to gas is much wider than the gap between transitioning from gas to renewables.

Natural gas is an excellent resource for heating homes, cooking food, and much more. It is touted as the cleanest fossil fuel available and is extremely budget-friendly for homes across the United States!