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Symptoms of a Methane Gas Leak

Methane gas may be a good source of energy, but it does have significant risks. Despite its popularity, methane gas contains a cocktail of toxic chemicals that pose a serious health hazard. Methane leaks have common signs. Knowing the physical and environmental symptoms of a methane leak can potentially save your life.

  1. Methane Gas

    • Methane gas is also referred to as natural gas. When collected and refined, it leaves methane and ethane. This substance has a wide variety of applications, such as gas stoves, fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters and even gas clothes dryers. It has been marketed by gas companies as a safe alternative fuel source. However, the American Academy of Environmental Medicine studied the effects of methane gas. Among its discoveries, the organization found that long-term exposure to natural gas has a tendency to make allergic reactions worse and even cause asthma in infants.

    Mercaptan

    • Methane gas is colorless and odorless. As a safety precaution, companies use a chemical called mercaptan to make the gas smell like rotten eggs. This smell is a definitive sign of a methane gas leak. However, this safety measure has its own hazards. It can cause anything from nausea and vomiting to kidney and liver failure. If you use natural gas in your home and smell rotten eggs, it is important that you leave the area immediately.

    Physical Symptoms

    • While the rotten egg additive is helpful for detecting a leak, small leaks may not immediately smell. In this case, be on the lookout for minor symptoms. Headaches are a common sign, especially if they seem to last a long time or become apparent when you are in a certain room. Check to see if other members of the house are experiencing the same headaches. Nausea is also a sign of a methane gas leak, especially in a closed area, like an unventilated room. Trouble breathing is another cause for alarm. Prolonged leaks slowly reduce oxygen in the area. Ultimately, this can lead to chronic problems such as epilepsy, pneumonia, memory loss, depression and heart problems.

    Environmental Signs

    • Keep an eye out for signs in the environment that indicate a methane gas leak. A typical sign is vapor or frost on the ground near the leak. You may see bubbles if the leak is near a wet area. Methane is toxic to vegetation, so patches of dead plants near a gas line need to be checked. Dust blowing from a hole in the ground is a symptom of an underground gas leak. Finally, listen for a hissing or roaring noise around your gas line. If you suspect a leak, leave the area and call your gas company immediately.

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