Large methane leaks at oil and gas facilities across the United States not only unleash massive plumes of the potent greenhouse gas, but are also carry a toxic mix of air pollutants that jeopardize the health of communities nearby, according to new research.

Over the course of 20 years, methane is capable of warming the atmosphere around 80 times more than carbon dioxide. Yet when methane seeps out of fossil-fuel extraction wells or storage tanks, it’s almost always commingled with a medley of toxic chemicals, such as cancer-causing benzene, according to a new analysis by PSE Healthy Energy.

A new interactive map launched this week by the Oakland-based nonprofit research institute examines the health risk associated with more than 1,300 large methane releases nationwide, including 32

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