Do you know natural gas is used in many homes for several purposes? We use a gas stove, heaters, water heaters, and many other gas-operated appliances daily.
There is no arguing the fact that gas is an everyday essential. But this integral can be extremely dangerous with misuse. Gas leaking is a fairly common issue and has terrible consequences.
So without wasting any time, let us move forward and have a look at the following:
- What is a natural gas leakage?
- What effects does a natural gas leakage have?
- What are the indications of gas leakage?
- And what does a gas leakage cause common health issues?
What is a Natural Gas Leakage?
Natural gas leaking can lead to breathing problems and nausea. There is a higher risk of these in winter when the heater tends to be on for long periods, and no ventilation or air can escape.
While the gas is lingering around in your home, you are inhaling toxins making it a dangerous and deadly environment. If you feel your health deteriorating or get mild symptoms only while at home, this can be a strong indicator that your home has a gas leakage.
Effects of Gas Leakage
Natural gas is complicated to detect as it is odorless and soundless. It has irreversible effects on the environment and is one of the significant contributors to pollution. The gas leak also leads to many health problems. Dubbed one of the silent killers, you might not notice gas leaks until you develop health problems, and it might often be too late.
Indications of Gas Leakage
You should be cautious of leakages around the house, especially if children are present. Some common indications of gas leaks are listed below:
- Ridiculously high gas bills
- Foul smell or odor around the home
- Rotten eggs-like smell
- A small puff of gas around the gas pipe
- Hissing sound around gas pipes
- Bubbling water
- Damaged or broken pipes
- Small life of house plants
Keeping in mind the indications of gas leakage, one should immediately report any leakage found in their vicinity. However, sometimes negligence at an individual and collective level may result in ignorance. Hence, this could result in harmful health effects.
Common Health Problems Caused By Gas Leakage
Following are some of the common health problems caused by natural gas leakage:
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Headache
The primary symptom reported by people exposed to natural gas is a headache. However, it is one of the reasons that can make it challenging to identify a gas leak, as headaches and related discomfort are usually very common in daily life.
However, if more than one team member is experiencing headaches at the same time spent, this could be a cause for concern. Hence, a natural gas leak may be the culprit.
Some of the mild symptoms that occur can be as common as a headache. A continuous migraine and drowsy feeling are clear indicators of a gas leak. You might not think to associate these with a gas leak, but a distinctive smell often contributes to a sickly feeling.
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Dizziness
Prolonged exposure to natural gas deprives the oxygen in the brain that it needs to function correctly. Consequently, many people complain of feeling dizzy and unsteady on their feet after exposure to natural gas.
The symptoms start subsiding once you remove the individual from the gas source. Moving outside or into a ventilated area will also help the individual begin to feel normal once again.
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Nausea
Feeling sick is a familiar sensation when we are unwell and can have numerous sources; however, several members of your team feel nauseous simultaneously.
The feeling of nausea does not always result in the individual being sick. These may manifest as a general feeling and nagging nausea that won’t quickly go away. And as discussed earlier, moving the individual to a ventilated space will help subside the symptoms.
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Irritation to the Eyes
Natural gas can also cause dry eyes and make them sore and irritated. The natural reaction is to rub the eyes to relieve the irritation, worsening the itch. However, rinse the eyes with clean water to remove contaminants.
Eye irritation may also be associated with exposure to highly concentrated natural gas. However, it could be a symptom that can occur even when the gas level within the room is still relatively low.
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Fatigue
Other symptoms associated with exposure to natural gas are similar to the flu. Generally, feeling tiredness and fatigue are common among those exposed to natural gas. Individuals may lose energy, become tired and lethargic, or feel weak to the core as if they have lost all their strength and are weaker than they ever were! Hence, these are signs of a natural gas leak.
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Breathing Difficulty
In addition to airway irritation and coughing, some individuals may find breathing difficult. It is because natural gas will replace the oxygenated air needed to breathe normally. Finding it challenging to live can be a distressing experience, and this may lead to other symptoms, including shock and stress.
Do you know individuals with lung conditions or problems with breathing get affected by exposure to natural gas? The longer the exposure to natural gas, severe will be their symptoms are likely to become. Somebody who feels unwell due to exposure to a gas leak evacuates the area and reaches a better-ventilated space.
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Impact on Skin
Continuous exposure to leaked gas can cause affect skin health and result in frostbite, pale and blanched appearance, blisters, and numbness.
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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning is fatal to human beings. It occurs when gas burns in the air incompletely. When someone comes in contact with carbon monoxide, they should be rushed to the emergency room without delay.
We should always be wary of gas leaks and never ignore a symptom pointing toward it. Get routine maintenance checks on your home to prevent fatal health conditions.
How to Prevent Natural Gas Leakage?
Now that you know all about gas leakage and what health problems it may cause. It is best that you get your gas appliances and gas connections checked. Hence, to do so, you need to conduct a gas safety check on your property and attain the gas safety certificate (cp12) for your property.
Acquiring Gas Safety Certificate
Getting a gas safety certificate or GSC is as easy as 1, 2 & 3! You can follow these four simple steps to obtain a gas certificate:
- Get a direct quote subjective to your property from our website.
- Place your order online and track it through our website.
- A registered engineer will inspect your property within 48 hours of your order.
- After the inspection, your gas certificate will be ready. You will receive it within 24 hours of the check.
Conclusion
Now that you know the common health problems caused by gas leakage and the indications of gas leakage, we expect you to be more cautious and understand why acquiring a gas safety certificate cp12 is essential for your property.
By doing so, you would not only make yourself and your environment safe but will certainly ensure the safety of people around you. Get your Gas Safety Certificate with us now. And remember, the gas safety certificate expires after 12 months and needs to be renewed yearly!
