Gas Leak vs. Carbon Monoxide Leak: How to Spot the Difference

Two of the most hazardous conditions present in a home or workplace and even in a hotel room are gas leaks and carbon monoxide leaks. Both result in medical conditions and even death. Yet most of them fail to realize what makes gas leaks and carbon monoxide (CO) leaks so unique from each other and even fail to recognize symptoms prior to it occurring or even if it's already too late to be prevented from occurring.

This kind of confusion can result in fatal errors. By way of illustration, someone might assume a carbon monoxide leak will smell of gas leakage and this isn't so at all. Carbon monoxide has no odor and doesn't even taste like anything. That's why carbon monoxide is referred to as the "silent killer."

In this blog, we highlight the major differences between a gas leak and a leak of carbon monoxide. We define what symptoms you will likely be experiencing as you face each leak, what your body will be subjected to, and what to do in case of a leak.

What is a Gas Leak?

A gas leak occurs when the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or natural gas breaks through from the appliance, a pipe, or a valve and finds its way indoors or into the residential area's indoor space. Methane gas is the most used gas in the majority of homes and is extremely combustible and explosive in nature.

Most leaks happen because the installation has not been done right, the pipes were faulty, the appliances are old, or the connectors were loose. It will cause a fire or an explosion if it's close to an open flame or a spark. It can also get you ill if you're breathing a lot of gas in.

Fortunately, gas companies add a chemical named Mercaptan to gas so it will smell like horribly bad rotten eggs or Sulphur. This helps consumers detect a leak right away.

What is a Carbon Monoxide Leak?

A carbon monoxide leak is not like a leak from any other type of contaminant. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas generated when gas, oil, or coal or wood doesn't burn completely. It can occur due to faulty stoves, furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, car engines, and even charcoal barbecues.

Carbon monoxide has no smell, color or taste. It's impossible to perceive it through your senses. That's also what makes it so hazardous. It's possible for individuals to inhale it and not even realize they're doing so, and if you're present in it long enough, it will kill you or cause you to become unconscious.

Leaks of carbon monoxide usually result from inadequate ventilation, clogged chimneys, or faulty appliances. Because of this, residential and building spaces utilizing fuel-burning appliances always require carbon monoxide detectors.

Principal differences between a gas leak and a CO leak:

The only difference is gas leaks can be detected by a smell, but carbon monoxide leaks cannot be detected by a smell. If you smell gas, it's probably a gas leak. If you feel ill or become fatigued and don't smell anything, it's probably carbon monoxide.

One variant on this theme comes from the fact that natural gas will explode but carbon monoxide is toxic. Because of this, a gas leak will tend to produce a fire or explosion, but a carbon monoxide leak will tend to produce a poisoning effect.

Gas leaks tend to reveal themselves fairly rapidly since they also produce a pungent odor. Leaks of CO will remain undetected for days if you don't happen to own a working CO detector.

How to Recognize a Gas Leak: What to Look Out For?

The most common indication of a gas leak would be the smell of rotten eggs. Other indications of a gas leak also include:

• Hissing sounds around gas appliances or gas pipes, possibly a leak under pressure.
• Dead vegetation around gas pipes or even within them, where gas might have leaked through the ground or in the atmosphere.
• Bubbles in the water if the gas line is underground.
• Dizzy or lightheaded, notably when in the proximity of a gas-burning.
• Exposed damage on gas pipes or fittings.

If you suspect a gas leak, act at once. If you can do so safely, turn off gas, open windows and doors, avoid turning on lights or switches, and evacuate the building or area. Phone gas emergency or local fire service at once. Do not attempt to fix any gas leak yourself.

How to Identify a Carbon Monoxide Leak: Warning Signs and Symptoms?

Because you can't see or smell carbon monoxide, a carbon monoxide detector would be the best option for detecting it. Carbon monoxide detectors produce a warning when they detect rising carbon monoxide levels, much like smoke detectors do.

There also exist body signs that will warn you. They are:

• Headache and pressure in the forehead
• Dizziness or confusion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Shortness of breath or chest pain
• Blurry vision
• Sudden weakness or tiredness
• Loss of consciousness

If everyone or the majority of occupants of a building become sick at the same time and if you find relief as soon as you step out of the building, it's a definitive sign of a steady carbon monoxide leak. Animals will also become weak or fall ill even before humans do so.

CO is also even riskier at night because individuals sleep and do not wake up. Because of this, carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in homes, mainly in bedrooms and living rooms:

• Leave quickly if you can smell gas and remain away.
• If you suspect you have a gas leak at your building or at your home.
• Do not light or smoke and avoid electrical switches. Each spark poses a risk of explosion.
• Gas supply at main stopcock should be shut off, if possible, safely.
• Leave windows and doors open so the gas will leak out.
• Leave the building immediately and make your way to a secure area.
• Call your gas operator or local fire department from outside the house.
• Do not proceed in until experts deem it safe.

What To Do If You Suspect a Carbon Monoxide Leak?

If you think you might be experiencing a carbon monoxide leak or if your carbon monoxide alarm sounds:

• Leave the building right away even if you don't notice any symptoms.
• Call a professional technician or emergency services.
• Do not make any other use of the appliances until after they have been inspected and repaired.
• Call for emergency medical services if the person has lost consciousness or is not breathing and, if trained to do so, perform CPR.

No matter what time of day or night you leave the building, wait outside until it has also been inspected and the leak has been fixed. Carbon monoxide accumulates rapidly and lingers in the atmosphere a very long time.

Long-term Effects on Health

Leaks of gas and carbon monoxide are hazardous to you but in a very different manner. Leaks of gas tend to harm humans by deoxygenating the atmosphere. Gas leaks tend to cause respiratory issues, headaches, and loss of consciousness when they exist in bulk quantities. Worst of gas leaks, however, is their potential for explosion and fire.

Carbon monoxide leaks also cause greater damage on a long-term basis for your health. Low levels can cause loss of memory, brain damage, heart disease, and mood changes when exposure lasts a long time. The pregnant, newborns, older adults, and those who already suffer from medical conditions face a higher risk. In both the conditions described above, speedy action and prevention become necessary in a bid to prevent long-term damage.