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Can I smell gas?

Published in Gas Safety 2 mins read

Yes, you can smell gas due to the addition of a chemical odorant.

Here's a breakdown of why and what you might be smelling:

  • Natural Gas is Odorless: Pure natural gas, primarily methane, is naturally odorless and colorless. This makes it very difficult to detect leaks.

  • The Addition of Mercaptan: To address the safety issue of undetectable leaks, gas companies add a substance called mercaptan (specifically, methanethiol) to natural gas.

  • The Smell: Mercaptan has a very strong, distinctive, and unpleasant odor, often described as:

    • Sulfur-like
    • Rotten eggs
    • Decayed cabbage
  • Purpose of the Smell: The sole purpose of adding mercaptan is to provide a readily detectable warning of a gas leak, even at very low concentrations.

  • What to Do If You Smell Gas: If you smell gas, it is crucial to take immediate action:

    1. Evacuate the Area: Immediately leave the building or area where you smell gas.
    2. Do Not Use Electronics: Avoid using any electronics (lights, phones, appliances) as they could create a spark and ignite the gas.
    3. Call the Gas Company: From a safe location, call your gas company or the emergency services and report the leak.
    4. Do Not Re-enter: Do not re-enter the building until the gas company has inspected the area and declared it safe.

In short, while natural gas itself is odorless, the added mercaptan creates a distinct smell that acts as a safety warning. If you smell this odor, treat it as a potential gas leak and take the necessary precautions.