Propane smells like rotten eggs, a skunk’s spray, or a dead animal. Some people may have difficulty smelling propane due to their age; a medical condition; or the effects of medication, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.

ODOR LOSS – On rare occasions, propane can lose its odor. Several things can cause this including:

The presence of air, water, or rust in a propane tank or cylinder
The passage of leaking propane through the soil
Since there is a possibility of odor loss or problems with your sense of smell, you should respond immediately to even a faint odor of gas.

Propane gas detectors

Under some circumstances, you may not smell a propane leak. Propane gas detectors sound an alarm if they sense propane in the air. They can provide an additional measure of security. You should consider the purchase of one or more detectors for your home.

Guidelines regarding propane gas detectors:

Buy only units that are listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding installation and maintenance.

NEVER IGNORE THE SMELL OF PROPANE, even if no detector is sounding an alarm.
Carbon monoxide and your safety

WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)? You can’t taste or smell CO, but it is a very dangerous gas, produced when any fuel burns. High levels of CO can come from appliances that are not operating correctly, or from a venting system or chimney that becomes blocked.

CO CAN BE DEADLY! High levels of CO can make you dizzy or sick (see below). In extreme cases, CO can cause brain damage or death.

Symptoms of CO poisoning include:

*Headache *Dizziness *Fatigue *Shortness of breath *Nausea

TO HELP REDUCE THE RISK OF CO POISONING:

Have a qualified service technician check your propane appliances and related venting systems annually, preferably before the heating season begins.
Install UL-listed CO detectors on every level of your home.
Never use a gas oven or range-top burners to provide space heating.
Never use portable heaters indoors unless they are designed and approved for indoor use.
Never use a barbecue grill (propane or charcoal) indoors for cooking or heating.
Regularly check your appliance exhaust vents for blockage.
SIGNS OF IMPROPER APPLIANCE OPERATION THAT CAN GENERATE HIGH CO LEVELS:

Soot build up, especially on appliances and vents
Unfamiliar or burning odor
Increased moisture inside of windows
If you suspect CO is present, act immediately!

If you or a family member shows physical symptoms of CO poisoning, get everyone out of the building and call 911 or your local fire department.
If it is safe to do so, open windows to allow entry of fresh air and turn off any appliances you suspect may be releasing CO.
If no one has symptoms, but you suspect that CO is present, call your propane retailer or a qualified service technician to check CO levels and your propane equipment.