The Gas Odor Smell? Ask Annie

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-gas-odor-smell-ask-annie.html

posted by Annie B. Bond Sep 29, 2008 5:00 pm

filed under: Blogs, Ask Annie, Health & Safety, natural gas, neurotoxin, pollutant, toxicant

Dear Annie, I heard that because gas is odorless a scented toxic chemical is put into it to alert people to the danger of a gas leak. Is this true and what is the chemical? –David, TX

Hi David. Yes, this is true, and I know about it because I happen to be one of the population that is very sensitive to it since it is a recognized neurotoxin and I tend to be sensitive to that class of pollutant. The scented chemical used mostly is methl mercaptan, a chemical in the sulfur family, but some more rural areas use what is a more neurotoxic version. Besides being a neurotoxin mercaptan is a recognized respiratory toxicant. Needless to say, when you smell “gas” it is important to report it right away, both so you don’t get exposed to gas and mercaptan.

More on Ask Annie (117 articles available)
More from Annie B. Bond (3248 articles available)

2 comments

Removing Moth Ball Odor

(8 comments)
Let Your Nose Guide You Toward a Healthy Home

(3 comments)
Deodorizing Tevas and Chacos

(2 comments)

2 comments

add your comment »

2 comments add your comment

Chris Hawkins says
Oct 1, 2008 10:30 AM

I have a friend upstairs from me who has been very sick from the "scent" of a propane barbeque (they say there is no lead or smell). She has multiple chemical sensitivity herself, and I wonder if this chemical is the same for something like that?

send green star | flag as inappropriate

Randy Paynter says
Sep 29, 2008 10:20 PM

Interesting.... and it truly is an awful smell, so I guess that's one more good reason to avoid it.

send green star | flag as inappropriate

Please enter your comment.

Or, log in with your
Facebook account:

who's talking about this story?

Trackback URL

Disclaimer: Care2.com does not warrant and shall have no liability for information provided in this newsletter or on Care2.com. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first. Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care provider.

1010883