What was a major drawback to using manufactured gas in the 1800s?

In the 1800s, a significant drawback of using manufactured gas was the lack of safe and reliable piping systems to transport the gas. The technology of the time had not yet advanced to create materials and designs capable of safely handling the pressures and potential hazards associated with gas distribution. This limitation severely restricted the effective use of manufactured gas, especially in urban areas where distribution was needed.

In contrast, other options do not reflect the key challenges of manufactured gas during that era. While manufactured gas could be transported to some extent, the absence of safe piping systems hindered widespread adoption. Additionally, there were methods to store gas, even if not as efficient as modern systems. The cost of producing manufactured gas varied, but it wouldn't be characterized as prohibitively expensive in the context of its other limitations at that time.