How to Recover from Vapors from a Propane Bulk Tank

In nature, propane is a colorless, odorless gas that, when inhaled, replaces oxygen in the lungs, causing asphyxiation. To prevent accidental poisoning of consumers and workers, manufactures of propane add a chemical to the propane to make it smell like rotten eggs or a dead animal. While this smell is extremely helpful in enclosed spaces, outdoors next to a propane bulk tank, the smell may not be as strong. In addition, people with colds, people who have medical conditions inhibiting their ability to smell and the elderly may have difficulty smelling the propane before the propane vapors begin to have an effect on their health.

Things You'll Need

• Aspirin
• Pain reliever
• Nausea medication

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Instructions

• 1

  Move away from the propane tank as soon as you begin to feel dizzy, have trouble breathing or your heart rate suddenly increases.

• 2

  Call 911 if your condition does not improve rapidly. If you have help present, ask them to drive you to the emergency room instead.

• 3

  Accept oxygen from emergency personnel and submit to a blood test to determine your level of exposure.

• 4

  Rest at home once released from the hospital. You should recover naturally with no lingering side effects.

• 5

  Take aspirin or another over-the-counter pain reliever if you have a headache.

• 6

  Treat any stomach upset with your favorite over-the-counter or home remedy. If you have severe nausea or vomiting while in the hospital, the doctor may prescribe a stronger medication.