Introduction
Natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel producing carbon dioxide, water vapor, and nitrous oxide (in traces). It is very widely used in fireplaces, stoves, and furnaces. It is an efficient power source. Natural gas is a flammable material, and care should be taken while handling it. Natural gas has no smell. That is why the gas company adds mercaptan, which smells like rotten eggs or sulfur. But it is difficult to identify the gas leak if it is minor. Gas leaks occurring inside or outside the house have similar health hazards. Natural gas furnaces are designed to produce a hot blue flame, and if the flame is yellow, it will indicate a problem with the ventilation system in the appliance. There are two types of natural gas - compressed gas and liquified natural gas.
How to Identify a Gas Leak?
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The smell of rotten eggs or sulfur.
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Sound of a hiss near the gas line.
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Observe dying plants without any apparent reason.
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Blowing dust near the pipeline.
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White clouds or bubbles in the water near pipelines.
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High gas usage due to the leak.
If the gas leak is suspected, immediately contact the gas company, fire brigade, or emergency services. Please do not touch the gas or electrical appliances as they may spark. Evacuate the building, and leave the door open. Find a safe spot.
What Are the Symptoms of Gas Leak in Humans?
If the family members experience unexplained symptoms, it might be due to a gas leak.
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Pain in the head, slight headache.
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Dizziness.
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Nausea and sometimes vomiting.
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Breathing difficulties due to low levels of oxygen.
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Eye irritation (red eyes).
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Skin color is pale, and blisters can be seen if the skin is in direct contact with liquid or compressed gas.
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Loss of consciousness, memory problems, suffocation, severe headaches, and even death can occur due to high exposure to gas.
Symptoms can be visible in pets even in small amounts of gas leaks. Carbon monoxide poisoning can also cause similar symptoms in addition to vision problems, chest pains, stomach pains, and loss of muscle control.
What Steps to Be Taken if Gas Leaks Are Suspected?
If the headaches occur only at home, it is most likely a gas leak. If the gas leak is mild, open the doors and windows. Call the gas company immediately. The gas company will guide with further steps. Switch off the knob on the regulator if it is possible. All gas cylinders have a knob (regulator) on them. If the gas leak is a major one, exit the home or move to a safe spot immediately. Gas is highly flammable and volatile, and it can lead to an explosion. Also, mobile phones can create sparks which can lead to a fire. So when calling a gas company or emergency services, make sure to go away from the area of the gas leak.
What Are Things That Should Not Be Done in Case of Gas Leak?
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Please do not switch the lights on or off.
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Try not to keep doors or windows closed.
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Avoid staying indoors.
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Avoid touching electrical appliances or any source of ignition.
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Please do not start the car until the garage is opened.
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Please do not try to repair the leak.
After a gas leak, let the gas company inspect the house thoroughly. Checking for burning appliances and pipeline valves is done by the company.
What Are the Health Effects of Gas Leaks?
Short-term exposure is not that harmful, but long-term exposure is harmful. Burning of natural gas releases nitrogen oxide, carbon dioxide, and methane. These gasses can have severe effects on the human body. They can trigger respiratory problems and depression and can reduce the quality of life.
Who Is at the Greater Risk of Injury or Death From Gas Leaks?
If no proper solution is achieved for the gas leak, regardless of the age or physical condition of a person, symptoms of the gas leak will become harmful, leading to death. The elderly and children are at greater risk than the young population. The elderly population is at an increased risk for brain damage from an unsolved gas leak. Young children, infants, and newborns take more breaths than young adults and teenagers, thus causing more natural gas inhalation through gas leaks. Inhaling more natural gas will lead to symptoms of gas poisoning even before adults have any symptoms.
How to Avoid Gas Leaks?
Regular inspection of pipelines and all electrical appliances. Common gas-powered appliances like stoves or furnaces have a pilot light on them. If the appliance has a pilot light, the flame should be small and blue with a yellow tip. Keep the sources of natural gas away from children. Also, teach children. The hazards of natural gas, how to detect gas leaks, and what needs to be done in case of a leak. Install detectors for natural gas and carbon monoxide at home as they can detect even a minor gas leak. Installing a carbon monoxide detector will not help detect natural gas but will help when the appliances do not burn natural gas, kerosene, or any other fossil fuel properly. Every house has a valve or regulator to shut off the supply of natural gas; learn about this knob as cutting the gas supply will help to reduce the escaping gas, giving more time to leave the house and take necessary precautions. Contact the gas company or emergency services immediately when gas leaks are suspected.
Gas leaks release carbon monoxide, which is a potential hazard causing respiratory problems. If recurring problems are noticed, it is best to call a certified technician to fix them. Many pipelines beneath the house need to be accessed. These pipelines can crack due to corrosion, or pressure from roots may result in gas leaks.
Conclusion:
Natural gas leaks are a rare event. Yearly inspections of pipelines are mandatory to avoid unfortunate events. Educate the family members about the safety of natural gas and explain the symptoms to them. It is important for people to be aware of potential risks.
