Natural gas, used in many homes for cooking and heating, has no odor. So utilities add a sulfur-based compound to produce the familiar "rotten-eggs" smell that most people can pick up easily.
If you have a diminished sense of smell or can't detect the odor added to natural gas, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders says you should opt for a natural gas detector.
The agency suggests looking for these features:
- Make sure the device is able to distinguish humidity and cigarette smoke, which shouldn't trigger the alarm.
- Choose an alarm with a Lower Explosive Limit, which will sound an alarm when gas meets the lowest level that may cause an explosion.
- Install the detector in an area where you can hear the alarm and where gas is likely to collect, such as in a basement.
- Test and maintain the gas detector regularly.
Health Tip: Stay Safe on a Boat
If you're one of the 70 million Americans who enjoy boating, the U.S. Coast Guard offers these safety suggestions:
- You and your passengers should wear well-fitted life jackets at all times.
- Avoid drinking alcohol, which is a factor in about 1 in 5 boating deaths.
- Take a prep course in boating safety.
- Have your boat inspected regularly.
- Make sure the boat is properly vented to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Install carbon monoxide detectors in living and sleeping areas.
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