Natural Gas Exposure
What is Natural Gas?
Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is found beneath the earth’s surface. It has “no odor to begin with”, gas companies add “Mercaptan” a warning smell “rotten eggs” so that it can be easily detected if there is a leak. Natural gas mainly consists of methane, which is a highly flammable gas.
Natural gas can be burned to produce electricity, heat homes and has many other uses including residential, industrial and commercial use. It can even be used for fuel in some vehicles. As natural gas burns cleaner that other fossil fuels such as oil and coal, and the by-product of the combustion of Natural Gas is Carbon Dioxide and water it has been chosen as the main form of energy to heat furnaces, water heaters, space heaters, pool‘s, Jacuzzi‘s, fireplaces, clothes dryers, stoves and lights.
Where is Natural Gas found?
Fossil fuel based, Natural Gas is a non-renewable resource. Natural gas is found in deep underground rock formations or associated with other hydrocarbon reservoirs in coal beds and as methane clathrate. Petroleum is another non-renewable resource and fossil fuel found in close proximity to and with natural gas.
Natural gas is created naturally over the course of hundreds of millions of years. It is formed when layers of decomposing plants and animals are subjected to intense heat from the Earth and pressure from rocks. All this pressure, heat and millions of years turned the natural material into coal, petroleum and natural gas.
How to Recognize a Gas leak?
Smells like rotten eggs “When from Commercial Lines”
Natural Gas is Colorless
Exposure “Low Level”
Headaches and dizziness
Fatigue
Nausea
Irregular Breathing
Exposure “High Level”
Death by suffocation
Loss of consciousness
Nausea
Severe Headaches
Fatigue
Memory Problems
Lack of Coordination
What to do?
Evacuate the area by moving “Cross-Wind” of where you suspect the gas leak
Call 911 “Big leak” or in “North America – ATCO Gas – 1-800-511-3447”
First Aid is “not” normally required, If you smell Natural Gas “Rotten Eggs” Evacuate the area immediately, If irritation/redness develops or other symptoms, move away from exposure area into fresh air and flush eyes with clean water. If you suspect a Natural Gas leak
“Do Not” activate any source of ignition such as electrical switches, vehicles, telephones, cellular phone, two way radios or door bells. Eliminate ignition sources such as open flame or spark “natural gas is highly flammable”.
For more information contact your local Gas Retailer or Distributor, if you are wondering about getting a Gas Audit, or have your gas appliances inspected please contact your local Retailer.
“This material is for information purposes only and is taken from local Gas Distributors, MSDS or SDS “Safety Data Sheet” on Natural Gas and Atco Gas. This information should not be used in place of medical, contractor or HVAC Technician advice, instructor, and/or treatment. If you have questions, speak to your local Gas Distributor or appropriate Gas Retailer.”
We never know what can happen, its always good to be prepared and have the knowledge we need to help those who need it.
“This material is for information purposes only and is taken from The Canadian Red Cross / Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation & Alberta Health Services. This information should not be used in place of medical, Technical advice, instructor, and/or treatment. If you have questions, speak to your local Physician or Safety Training Facility.”
Just Remember:
Protect Yourself!!! Call 911!!! Don’t Waste Time!!!
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