Exposure rates to certain pollutants near methane digesters are not dangerous for health, according to an Atmo France study

Exposure rates to certain pollutants, such as ammonia and hydrogen sulphide, near methane digesters, are not dangerous for health, according to an “olfactory” study carried out for three years by the independent organization Atmo France revealed on Tuesday June 25 by France Inter.

According to this study which measured air quality near methanization units, installations which transform agricultural waste into green gas, and carried out in partnership with approved air quality monitoring associations, academics, but also Gas distribution network France, the analyzes are reassuring for the health of local residents.

The study was carried out around twelve methane digesters in six different regions. She measured the exposure rates of two pollutants: ammonia and hydrogen sulphide, which gives a rotten egg smell. “We observe very few points above the standards for the pollutants monitored and generally, where there are homes, we are below the toxicological values”explains Charlotte Lepitre, project manager, to France Inter.

This study also focuses on the odors released by methanizers, not with sensors, but with humans trained to describe olfactory atmospheres using odorous molecules. These specialists have done a sort of mapping of the odors around the methanizers: “The smell decreases very significantly from 230 m, so homes, beyond, are almost not impacted by the odors of methanization”according to Charlotte Lepitre.

A more comprehensive report will be published in 2025 with recommendations on good practices to limit the inconvenience of local residents.