by Dr. Dereck Durgan
Published 2 years ago
Updated 2 years ago
Gas companies add a harmless chemical called mercaptan to give it its distinctive “rotten egg” smell.
How do I know if I'm smelling a gas leak?
What does a gas leak smell like in your house? Natural gas is odorless, but a substance known as mercaptan is added to your natural gas so that it gives off a pungent rotten egg smell. If you notice this odor in your home, it's possible you have a natural gas leak.
What does a gas leak in a house smell like?
You notice a rotten-egg smell In its original form, natural gas is colorless and odorless. To help detect the smell of gas, a harmless chemical called mercaptan is added to give leaked gas a distinctive odor. Most people describe the scent like rotten eggs or a hydrogen sulfide odor.
Does carbon monoxide detector detect gas leak?
Will a carbon monoxide detector detect a gas leak? Technically speaking, a carbon monoxide detector is not designed to detect the presence of gas. Instead, these devices alert for elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the air that could be the result of toxic gases or air quality issues.
Should I be worried if I smell gas in my house?
If the odor is strong, leave the premises immediately and tell others to leave. Then, call your local gas company from a neighbor's home. Outside gas odors should be reported right away - do not try to locate the source yourself.
How do you know if you're smelling gas in your house?
The smell of rotten eggs. In its natural state, natural gas is odorless and colorless. To make gas leaks easier to detect, gas companies add chemicals called odorants to create a natural gas smell similar to sulphur or rotting eggs. The stronger this smell, the more likely it is that you have a gas leak.
How do I know if my house is leaking gas?
If you notice that the flame has turned orange or yellow, it could be a sign that your unit is producing toxic carbon monoxide gas. Hissing Sounds: If you notice a hissing sound coming from around your gas furnace, this can be a sign that your unit is leaking gas.
How does a gas leak make you feel?
Sickness & Fatigue Exposure to a gas leak in your house or apartment may cause deadly symptoms including sickness, weakness, nausea, suffocation, and headaches. If you feel sick or abnormal, immediately call an ambulance to confirm if you have been exposed to gas poisoning.
What are the symptoms of a natural gas leak?
Natural Gas Leak Physical SymptomsRinging in your ears.A reduced appetite.Pain in the chest.Nosebleeds.Blistering or pale skin.Flu-like symptoms.Dizziness.Breathing difficulties.More items...
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Url:https://www.ars.com/blog/gas-leak-in-home
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Your gas utility adds mercaptan, a safe chemical, to the natural gas. To assist you detect gas leaks, mercaptan has a rotten-eggs-like odor that smells like sulfur. However, if the leak is …
