The magic of mercaptan

Natural gas is colorless and odorless. For safety and easy detection, a chemical called mercaptan is added during processing to give the gas a distinctive odor. Most people say the sulfurous smell reminds them of rotten eggs, cooked cabbage or garlic. Mercaptan is considered non-toxic in the extremely low concentrations found in natural gas delivered to buildings.

What to do if you smell gas

Follow these steps to stay safe:

  • Evacuate the area immediately.
  • Call Pensacola Energy Emergency Services at 850-474-5300 from a safe location.
  • Don't smoke or light a match, candle or other flame.
  • Don't turn electrical appliances or lights on or off, operate motorized equipment or vehicles, or use a phone, flashlight or any device that could cause a spark.
  • Leave doors and windows open.

What can prevent you from smelling mercaptan?

By design mercaptan has a very distinctive odor—it's supposed to get your attention. In some rare cases, however, you may not catch the scent. Be aware if you experience any of these conditions:

  • Odor fatigue, the temporary inability to distinguish an odor after prolonged exposure
  • You have a cold, sinus condition or allergies
  • You use tobacco, alcohol, drugs and certain medications
  • The odor is masked or hidden by other odors present
  • Pipe and soil conditions have caused "odor fade"

Other signs of a gas leak

If you don't smell an odor, you may see or hear something wrong, including:

  • A damaged connection to a natural gas appliance
  • Dirt, water or debris being blown into the air
  • A dry patch of grass in your yard (in an otherwise moist area)
  • Exposed pipeline after an earthquake, fire, flood or other disaster
  • Dead or dying houseplants
  • Hissing, whistling or roaring near a natural gas line or appliance

In addition to the danger of explosion, natural gas leaks in buildings can rob the air of oxygen. Physical symptoms include dizziness, headaches, flu-like symptoms, chest pains, nausea, ringing in the ears and mood changes. If you notice these problems, evacuate, go to a safe area and call Pensacola Energy Emergency Services at 850-474-5300.