Gas explosions

Natural gas is colorless, odorless gas piped into millions of homes—more explosive than dynamite. Propane is also odorless, unless an odorant, ethyl mercaptan, has been added to it. Natural gas providers and propane companies make natural gas or propane seem safe and harmless, but, in reality, many gas systems are an accident waiting to happen. Gas explosions, and the negligence of natural gas or propane providers, are actually more common than they should be every year, thousands are injured in gas-related explosions and fires, often the result of a company’s failure to follow industry or government standards. A gas explosion is the result of a gas leak that has combined with an ignition source. Gas explosions can cause massive, serious burn injuries. Equipment or pipes, buildings or offshore facilities, enclosed or open spaces & all these can harbor a gas explosion. They often occur in industrial or agricultural settings, but more often than not, occur in a home.

Causes of Gas Explosions

The failure of a natural gas provider or propane company to follow common sense or industry standards is, more often than not, the cause of a gas explosion. Gas explosions are often attributed to negligence and may be caused by code violations, violations of standards or safe practices, failure to warn or instruct the natural gas consumer, or defective products. Ventilation may be inadequate; gas lines may have been installed improperly. In some cases, the gas may not have been odorized (odor must be added to natural and propane gas as a safety precaution to warn people that gas is present).