LPG, an Alternative Fuel: Effects on the Health and Environment
Effects of LPG as an alternative fuel to your health and the environment in the Philippines
Science, Technology and Society 2
Josel Palaspas
Introduction
In the Philippines, LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is mainly used for domestic cooking, heating and lighting. It is used worldwide as a modern, clean, low-carbon energy. This source of energy has made life simpler to help us with our basic needs while people earlier had to rely on wood, charcoal and animal waste to provide as their domestic fuel. As we all know, we see that LPG is being used at home therefore it is not toxic. It is a versatile energy and not only used in the home. It has improved lives economically, environmentally and socially since it is used in the food industry, agriculture, commerce and last but not the last in transportation. LPG displaces diesel as gasoline, it also reduces the air pollution in the roads.
There had been claims by the Department of Health (DOH) of the Philippines about the use of LPG as gasoline which results to health problems to the drivers and passengers. Together with the University of the Philippines – National Poison Management and Control Centre (UP – NPMCC), they found a study on health hazards due to exposure to auto-liquefied petroleum gas. The use of LPG is being used as an alternative fuel anyway because it is cheaper but there are uncertainties when it comes to the safety of the people and the environment.
Background of the study This research is to raise awareness on the effects of LPG to our health and the environment, and to know how much people really know about this alternative fuel. It is the most approachable substitute today as the price of gasoline is constantly increasing. David Tyler, director of World LP Gas Association, have said that they were disappointed in what they heard about people’s concerns with the use of LPG as fuel for transport. He stated in an article that it reduces pollution, which is exactly what gave rise to the
Science, Technology and Society 2
Josel Palaspas
Introduction
In the Philippines, LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is mainly used for domestic cooking, heating and lighting. It is used worldwide as a modern, clean, low-carbon energy. This source of energy has made life simpler to help us with our basic needs while people earlier had to rely on wood, charcoal and animal waste to provide as their domestic fuel. As we all know, we see that LPG is being used at home therefore it is not toxic. It is a versatile energy and not only used in the home. It has improved lives economically, environmentally and socially since it is used in the food industry, agriculture, commerce and last but not the last in transportation. LPG displaces diesel as gasoline, it also reduces the air pollution in the roads.
There had been claims by the Department of Health (DOH) of the Philippines about the use of LPG as gasoline which results to health problems to the drivers and passengers. Together with the University of the Philippines – National Poison Management and Control Centre (UP – NPMCC), they found a study on health hazards due to exposure to auto-liquefied petroleum gas. The use of LPG is being used as an alternative fuel anyway because it is cheaper but there are uncertainties when it comes to the safety of the people and the environment.
Background of the study This research is to raise awareness on the effects of LPG to our health and the environment, and to know how much people really know about this alternative fuel. It is the most approachable substitute today as the price of gasoline is constantly increasing. David Tyler, director of World LP Gas Association, have said that they were disappointed in what they heard about people’s concerns with the use of LPG as fuel for transport. He stated in an article that it reduces pollution, which is exactly what gave rise to the
References: Tyler, David. “Use of LPG as transport fuel.” Philippine Daily Inquirer. 15 November 2011. http://opinion.inquirer.net/17263/use-of-lpg-as-transport-fuel Dizon, David. “Toxic taxis: Auto LPG leaks pose health hazards.” ABS-CBN News. 18 October 2012. http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/-depth/10/18/12/toxic-taxis-auto-lpg-leaks-pose-health-hazards Elchico, Alvin. “Taxi group blasts DOH study on auto-LPG.” ABS-CBN News. 18 October 2012. http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/10/18/12/taxi-group-blasts-doh-study-auto-lpg Liquefied Petroleum Gas Industry Association, Inc. Consumer Information. http://www.lpgia.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2&Itemid=6 Philippine Institute of Petroleum. Things you want to know about auto-LPG. http://www.piponlinesite.com/news_auto_lpg.htm