What should I do if I smell natural gas?

Natural gas is lighter than air and will rise and diffuse rapidly when it escapes in an open area. In its pure state, natural gas has no odour. The "gas" smell is an odorant added to the natural gas as a safety precaution. It's there to let you know when natural gas is in the air.

If you smell natural gas inside a building:

• Leave the building immediately!
• Call ATCO Gas or your fire department using a neighbour's phone.

While inside, don't do anything that may cause a spark or flame:

• Do not smoke.
• Do not use your phone.
• Do not turn light switches on or off.
• Do not operate any electrical switches or appliances.

If you smell natural gas outside a building:

• Call ATCO Gas or your fire department immediately.
• Keep everyone away from the area.
• Do not light any flames.

Properties of Natural Gas

Natural gas, before processing, contains methane, ethane, propane, butane, and other members of the hydrocarbon family, as well as non-hydrocarbon components. The term used for natural gas prior to it being processed is "raw gas".

Natural gas is colorless, non-toxic and odorless, although an odorant is added as the gas is fed into the distribution system. Known as mercaptan, this odorant is an important safety measure because it provides a distinct smell (much like the smell of rotten eggs) in the event of a gas leak. However, natural gas is lighter than air and rapidly dissipates into the air when it is released.

When natural gas burns, a high-temperature blue flame is produced and complete combustion of hydrocarbons takes place. The heating value of natural gas, as with other forms of heat energy, is measured in joules. Natural gas, when sold from the wellhead to pipeline companies and other purchasers, is measured in cubic metres.