Scientists have discovered that breathing is a surprising source of greenhouse gas emissions

Accumulation of greenhouse gases Which Contributing to climate change It is a growing problem, as discussed at the recent COP28 summit. But what is less known is the relationship between greenhouse gases and human breathing. UK scientists discovered A A new source of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change This is not what you expect.

The research he conducted University of EdinburghIt was found that the population of the United Kingdom exhales about 1,100 tons of… Methane and nitrous oxide Every year, gases known as greenhouse gases are released.

Detailed in Study published in PLOS ONEThe discovery provides insight into… Secondary sources but overlooked of greenhouse gas emissions.

Emissions make up a small portion of total production

However, Research has indicated that emissions make up a small part of the UK's total greenhouse gas production, Contributing only 0.05% and 0.1% of the country's total anthropogenic methane and nitrous oxide emissions, respectively.

The research was led by scientist Ben Dawson, under the supervision of Nicholas Cowan and Matthew Hill, who It sought to explore lesser-known contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.

despite of Main emission sources Since the burning of fossil fuels is well documented, small sources, such as human breathing, remain largely unexplored, leaving gaps in the big picture for understanding global emissions patterns.

Beyond carbon dioxide

It is also worth noting that the study did not focus on carbon dioxide, Since human exhalation of CO2 is balanced by carbon that is absorbed during photosynthesis by the plants we consume.

However, the investigation gave A Significant shift when examining nitrous oxide and methane. It is these gases, produced by microbes in our digestive systems, that contribute to a net increase in atmospheric levels, unlike carbon dioxide, which is carbon neutral.

To collect data, the researchers Analyzed breath samples from more than 100 volunteers and found that 31% of participants exhaled methane and all of them exhaled Varying amounts of nitrous oxide. Surprisingly, the study found no direct relationship between diet or demographics and levels of these exhaled gases.

31% of participants exhaled methane and all released varying amounts of nitrous oxide.

Use demographic data, The researchers estimated total annual emissions of these gases in the UK, equivalent to about 1,040 tons of methane and 70 tons of nitrous oxide. In terms of greenhouse gas impact, this equates to 53,900 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, a drop in the ocean compared to the UK's annual emissions of 417 million tonnes.