Oxygen is essential for life, but it is also a finite resource that needs to be used wisely and responsibly.
Oxygen cylinders are devices that store and deliver oxygen to patients who need supplemental or emergency oxygen therapy. Patients can make use of a home oxygen concentrator for home use, but they are widely used in hospitals, clinics, ambulances, and homes, as well as in industries such as mining, welding, and diving.
However, oxygen cylinders also have an environmental impact that cannot be ignored; therefore we will discuss the environmental impact of oxygen cylinders and suggest some sustainable practices that can reduce their negative effects.
The environmental impact of oxygen cylinders can be divided into four main aspects: their production, transportation, usage, and disposal.
Production of Oxygen Cylinders
There is a significant amount of energy and raw materials that are required to manufacture oxygen cylinders because they are made of metal, typically steel or aluminium. In addition, the manufacturing process results in the production of waste, emissions of greenhouse gases, and pollution of the air.
The European Industrial Gases Association (EIGA) conducted a study that found that the production of one tonne of steel cylinders results in the emission of approximately 1.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide, whereas the production of one tonne of aluminium cylinders results in the emission of approximately 11.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Transportation of Oxygen Cylinders
Considering the fact that oxygen cylinders are both heavy and cumbersome, it is necessary to transport them using either trucks, trains, or aeroplanes. This not only uses a significant amount of fuel but also releases pollutants into the air and greenhouse gases.
Furthermore, oxygen cylinders need to be refilled on a regular basis, which can add to the expenses associated with transportation as well as the emissions. The same study conducted by EIGA found that the transportation of one tonne of oxygen cylinders results in the emission of approximately 0.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Usage of Oxygen Cylinders
Oxygen cylinders that are used to deliver oxygen to patients who need it, also pose some risks and challenges. For example, oxygen cylinders can leak, explode, or catch fire if they are not handled properly or maintained well.
This can cause injuries, deaths, or property damage, as well as release oxygen into the atmosphere. Oxygen is not a greenhouse gas, but it can react with other gases and form harmful pollutants that damages the ozone layer and human health.
Additionally, oxygen cylinders can create visual pollution, especially in residential areas or natural environments.
Disposal of Oxygen Cylinders
Oxygen cylinders have a limited lifespan, which means they need to be disposed of or recycled at some point.
Recycling of oxygen cylinders can be beneficial, as it can save energy and materials, but it also requires special facilities and equipment that may not be available or accessible in all regions.
The disposal of oxygen cylinders can be problematic, as they may contain residual oxygen or other contaminants that can pose environmental or health hazards.
How the Environmental Impact of Oxygen Cylinders Can Be Reduced
To reduce the environmental impact of oxygen cylinders, some sustainable practices should be adopted, such as:
- Choosing the right size and type of oxygen cylinder for the specific need and setting. For example, smaller and lighter cylinders can be used for home or portable use, while larger and heavier cylinders can be used for industrial or stationary use. This can reduce the number of cylinders needed and the transportation emissions.
- Using alternative sources of oxygen, such as oxygen concentrators, liquid oxygen, or oxygen generators. These devices can produce oxygen on-site or on-demand, which can eliminate or reduce the need for oxygen cylinders and their associated production, transportation, and disposal impacts. However, these devices also have their own environmental impacts, such as energy consumption, water usage, or noise generation.
- Implementing proper handling, storage, and maintenance of oxygen cylinders can prevent or reduce the risks of leaks, explosions, or fires, as well as extend the lifespan of the cylinders. For example, oxygen cylinders should be kept away from heat, sparks, or flammable materials, and checked regularly for damage or corrosion.
- Promoting recycling and reuse of oxygen cylinders can save energy and materials, as well as reduce waste and emissions. For example, oxygen cylinders can be refilled, refurbished, or repurposed for other uses, such as art, furniture, or gardening. They can also be recycled into new metal products, such as cans. However, recycling and reuse of oxygen cylinders should be done only by qualified and certified facilities and professionals and follow the relevant safety and environmental standards and regulations.
In Conclusion
Oxygen cylinders are useful and lifesaving devices, but they also have an environmental impact that needs to be addressed and reduced.
By adopting some sustainable practices, such as choosing the right size and type of oxygen cylinder, using alternative sources of oxygen, implementing proper handling, storage, and maintenance of oxygen cylinders, and promoting recycling and reuse of oxygen cylinders, we can minimise the negative effects of oxygen cylinders and maximise their positive benefits for ourselves and the planet.