DANGERS OF PROPANE GAS OR NATURAL GAS LEAKS OR DEFECTIVE APPLIANCES:

  1. Poisoning, brain damage or death by asphyxiation. Exposure to small amounts of carbon monoxide over a long time or to large amount of carbon monoxide in a short time results in poisoning, neurological damage, and/or death. Effects of poisoning are more severe in the young, the elderly, pregnant women and their fetuses, and those with respiratory problems. Carbon monoxide replaces oxygen in red blood cells. Exposure to large amounts of propane gas or natural gas results in reduced oxygen for breathing.
  2. Death, personal injury, or damage/destruction of property by explosion and fire.
Methane (natural gas) and propane (liquefied petroleum gas) are about equally explosive. Methane is lighter than air and rises to the ceiling. Propane is heavier than air and sinks to the floor. Think about stalactites growing from cave ceilings, first pooling and then growing longer. Think methane. Think how stalagmites pooling and grow up from the cave floor. Think propane.

Mount natural gas (methane) alarms near the ceiling and near each gas appliance. Mount propane alarms near the floor and near each propane gas appliance.

Carbon monoxide, a by-product of incomplete combustion of fossil fuels (combustible gas, coal, wood, etc.) disperses fairly evenly in air. Install carbon monoxide alarms in locations near gas appliances, living areas, and in or near bedrooms.

Mercaptan, a rotten egg scent, is added to colorless and odorless methane and propane gases. Mercaptan's odor varies according to the amount added. The odor can fade with time and storage. A strong rotten egg odor may not mean danger. And a slight odor may not mean safety. Detector sensors react to the gas concentrations in the air, not amount of odor. Sensors are specific to carbon monoxide gas or methane/propane/natural gas. Install two two distinct detectors for maximum safety.

So don't depend on your nose. Detectors and alarms have no colds, allergies, tobacco or alcohol usage, loss of ability to smell, strong cooking odors, etc. What you think is sewer gas, garbage, or a dead mouse might a combustible gas leak.

BE SAFE:
  1. Install separate alarms for combustible gases and carbon monoxide. Mounting heights differ according to the gas being monitored. Know which alarm is which.
  2. Test alarms regularly. Change batteries, if any, annually.
  3. Keep gas appliances well maintained.
  4. Do not enter a home when an alarm is sounding. Call 911.
  5. Evacuate immediately if a combustible gas alarm sounds. Do NOT close the door or turn off lights. If you don’t know which one (CO or gas) is sounding, LEAVE. Call 911 after you evacuate.