The Times Australia
The Times House and garden

.

What are the Real Dangers of a Gas Leak?

  • Written by News Co


When natural gas leaks, whether it is from a pipeline or from a gas appliance that you have in your home, it can be a serious problem. Most gas leaks occur when pipes are damaged or if your appliances are aging. Gas leaks cannot be easily predicted and can occur any time or any place that there are gas appliances.

Gas leak dangers are increased if you have installed your gas appliances yourself (without proper knowledge and/or certification). There are very good reasons to hire a professional and licensed plumber for the installation of your gas appliances. One of the main reasons is that you could be putting not only your life and the lives of your family at risk, but also the homes that surround yours because gas can ignite and explode very easily. A professional gas plumber understands the proper methods for installation of gas appliances and how to ensure the safety of your home and family.





Image from Refined Plumbing

There are very real dangers when it comes to gas leaks. Here are some of the most common ones:

Gas Leaks are Harmful to Your Health

Whether your gas leak is large or small, gas can build up in your environment over time. It can contaminate the air you breath and particularly in confined spaces. Gas leaks reduce the oxygen in the air, and this can cause you to have a hard time breathing. Breathing in natural gas can make you feel dizzy, tired, nauseous and cause serious headaches. If you breathe in large amounts of gas it can even cause memory loss, coordination issues and a loss of consciousness. You may experience nose bleeds, depression, poisoning or symptoms similar to the flu. Since carbon monoxide is a by-produce of natural gas if this builds up in your bloodstream you may experience tissue damage. Since carbon monoxide poisoning is difficult to detect, damage may occur before you even know what is happening.

Gas Leaks May Cause Fires and Explosions

When gas is combined with any flammable substance it can be dangerous. Gas is odourless and easily dissipates, creating a potential source of danger. When gas meets a spark, it can cause an explosion or a fire.

May Destroy Vegetation and Plants

If there is a gas leak and it moves through the soil is can cause chlorosis which is a condition in plants where they lose their colour. If not rectified, plant cells die, and plants will dry up and die as a result of root asphyxiation which is caused by the plant being deprived of oxygen.

It Can Kill Animals

If gas appliances leak, they can emit carbon monoxide which can poison animals. Household pets will likely succumb to carbon monoxide poisoning before the humans in the household. Some of the warning signs are that your pet is weak and sleepy. They may also have a hard time breathing or vomit and have a seizure.

It can Harm the Environment

One of the main components of natural gas is methane. This greenhouse gas absorbs infrared radiation from the earth’s surface. Methane gas can cause the atmosphere to warm up and is 100 times more destructive to the earth’s atmosphere than carbon dioxide. Global warming leads to heat waves, massive rainfall, water shortages, fires and droughts. It also contributes to the melting of glaciers which causes pollutants to be released into the atmosphere. This is devastating to the ecosystem of the coasts and when glacial waters containing contaminants make contact with the environment they can lead to environmental destruction.

What to do If You Suspect a gas Leak

If you believe that you have a gas leak, you should contact a professional to deal with it. If you try to deal with the problem yourself you could make the problem worse or there may be a fire, explosion or you may experience poisoning. It is the best idea to contact a licensed plumber immediately.

Gas leaks can occur when appliances are improperly installed. It is best to get in touch with a licensed professional plumber with gas fitting experience to deal with the issue. Since gas is odourless, you may not realize that gas is leaking, but there are plenty of ways to detect one. Certain chemicals known as mercaptans which smell like rotten eggs are added to gas which can make it easy to detect a leak. You might notice that your appliance is hissing or roaring which is an indication that it is leaking. If you notice that your stove flame is orange instead of blue or there is a white cloud or your electricity bill unexpectedly increases, these can all be signs of a gas leak. Whenever you suspect a gas leak, you must immediately call a professional to deal with the leak right away.

If you suspect that you have a gas leak in your home, you must act right away. Open all windows and doors to let fresh air into he home. Inhaling natural gas can be deadly. Never turn on any electrical appliances, light matches or smoke in your home if you suspect a gas leak. Put your pets outside and turn off your gas supply right away. Leave your home and contact help immediately. Let you gas supplier know that you are experiencing an issue and contact a licensed gas fitter to rectify the issue right away. It is important to never ignore a gas leak because it can be deadly. First and foremost, look out for yourself and your family and be safe until your leak can be located and rectified.

Times Magazine

Building a Strong Online Presence with Katoomba Web Design

Katoomba web design is more than just creating a website that looks good—it’s about building an online presence that reflects your brand, engages your audience, and drives results. For local businesses in the Blue Mountains, a well-designed website a...

September Sunset Polo

International Polo Tour To Bridge Historic Sport, Life-Changing Philanthropy, and Breath-Taking Beauty On Saturday, September 6th, history will be made as the International Polo Tour (IPT), a sports leader headquartered here in South Florida...

5 Ways Microsoft Fabric Simplifies Your Data Analytics Workflow

In today's data-driven world, businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline their data analytics processes. The sheer volume and complexity of data can be overwhelming, often leading to bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Enter the innovative da...

7 Questions to Ask Before You Sign IT Support Companies in Sydney

Choosing an IT partner can feel like buying an insurance policy you hope you never need. The right choice keeps your team productive, your data safe, and your budget predictable. The wrong choice shows up as slow tickets, surprise bills, and risky sh...

Choosing the Right Legal Aid Lawyer in Sutherland Shire: Key Considerations

Legal aid services play an essential role in ensuring access to justice for all. For people in the Sutherland Shire who may not have the financial means to pay for private legal assistance, legal aid ensures that everyone has access to representa...

Watercolor vs. Oil vs. Digital: Which Medium Fits Your Pet's Personality?

When it comes to immortalizing your pet’s unique personality in art, choosing the right medium is essential. Each artistic medium, whether watercolor, oil, or digital, has distinct qualities that can bring out the spirit of your furry friend in dif...

The Times Features

What Makes a Small Group Tour of Italy So Memorable?

Traveling to Italy is on almost every bucket list. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the sparkling canals of Venice, the country is filled with sights, flavors, and experiences ...

Latest data suggests Australia is overcoming its sugar addiction

Australia is now meeting the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines[1] on sugar, which recommend keeping sugar below 10% of daily energy intake. New data[2] published ...

Do you really need a dental check-up and clean every 6 months?

Just over half of Australian adults[1] saw a dental practitioner in the past 12 months, most commonly for a check-up[2]. But have you been told you should get a check-up and c...

What is a Compounding Pharmacy and Why Do You Need One in Melbourne?

Ever picked up a prescription and thought, this pill is too big, too bitter, or full of things I cannot have? That is where a compounding chemist becomes important. A compounding p...

Deep Cleaning vs Regular Cleaning: Which One Do Perth Homes Really Need?

Whether you live in a coastal home in Cottesloe or a modern apartment in East Perth, keeping your living space clean isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s essential for your health and...

Rubber vs Concrete Wheel Stops: Which is Better for Your Car Park?

When it comes to setting up a car park in Perth, wheel stops are a small feature that make a big difference. From improving driver accuracy to preventing costly damage, the right c...