NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- A scientist says the crude oil isn't the only dangerous thing gushing from a blown out Gulf of Mexico well.
John Kessler of Texas A&M says vast amounts of methane are spewing from the well and could pose a serious threat to the ecosystem. Scientists say the gas has the potential for suffocating marine life.
Kessler says the oil emanating from the seafloor contains about 40 percent methane - compared with about 5 percent found in typical oil deposits.
Scientists say that means huge quantities of the methane have entered the Gulf.
Methane is a colorless, odorless and flammable substance that is a major component in the natural gas used to heat people's homes.
A BP spokesman says about 30 million cubic feet of natural gas is burned daily from the leak. But that doesn't account for gas that eludes containment efforts.
BP shares rose in London today now that the company is setting up a $20 billion compensation fund.
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