Anderson Injury Lawyers | October 5, 2024 | Personal Injury
Natural gas is a safe and convenient fuel for cooking or heating a home. The American Gas Association reports that over 73 million households, commercial buildings, and industrial buildings in the U.S. rely on natural gas.
Leaks are rare, but they can be dangerous. Natural gas is highly flammable, and breathing it can cause a host of health problems, including death. Aging gas lines and equipment that has been installed improperly are the main causes of gas leaks.
If you or your family members have been exposed to a gas leak because of someone else’s neglect, you may be eligible for financial compensation.
The Physical Signs of a Gas Leak
The telltale smell of gas is the first indication of a problem. However, some leaks are so small they don’t provide any warning signs.
You may notice some or all of the following:
- Dead houseplants
- A whitish or dusty cloud near a gas line
- Hissing or whistling near a gas line
- A “rotten egg” or sulfur-like smell
- A damaged gas pipe
You may also notice that gas bills are higher or that gas appliances don’t appear to be working efficiently.
What To Do If You Suspect a Gas Leak
If you suspect a gas leak, close the main shutoff valve and call a utility professional. Do not:
- Use your phone inside the building
- Operate electric switches or any appliances
- Open doors and windows
- Create any type of open flame (candles, cigarettes, etc.)
After the leak has been repaired, you can open the windows to let your home air out. This can take up to several hours. Don’t stay indoors until you are certain that the gas is gone.
The Potential Health Impacts of a Gas Leak
A buildup of unburned natural gas can cause carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. If you have been exposed to natural gas, you may develop:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Chest pain
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of muscle control
- A bright pink or red hue to the skin and lips
Get yourself or other affected persons into the fresh air and call 911 immediately. CO poisoning is a treatable injury, but it can be fatal without medical care.
The Risks of Long-Term Exposure
Because physical signs of a leak aren’t always obvious, it is possible to be exposed to leaking gas for an extended period. Organs need oxygen to function properly. They rely on healthy red blood cells to receive the oxygen and nutrients they need.
However, red blood cells absorb carbon monoxide faster than they absorb oxygen. Long-term exposure to gas can cause carbon monoxide to overtake the amount of oxygen in the blood.
Death is the most serious risk of long-term exposure to gas. Too much CO may cause severe damage to cells and organs, causing a victim to pass out and suffocate. Gas leaks can be especially dangerous for the elderly, infants and developing fetuses, children, and anyone with existing respiratory problems.
Long-term exposure to natural gas can cause respiratory issues, brain damage, depression, and other mood disorders.
Stay Safe and Watch Out For Gas Leaks
Natural gas is generally safe, affordable, and convenient. Gas is the most popular choice for cooking and grilling and is less costly for home heating than most other options. However, all it takes is one leak to endanger your life and property.
If you detect a gas leak, shut off the main gas valve and call a professional. Stay out of the house or building until the leak has been repaired. See your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms related to gas exposure. Long-term exposure may lead to serious health problems or death.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Texas
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth or Dallas and need legal help, contact our personal injury lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Tarrant County, Dallas County, and throughout Texas.
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office
1310 W El Paso St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 294-1900
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office (Secondary)
6618 Fossil Bluff Dr # 108, Fort Worth, TX 76137
(817) 631-4113
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office
408 W Eighth St Suite 202, Dallas, TX 75208
(214) 327-8000
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office (Secondary)
6301 Gaston Ave suite 610, Dallas, TX 75214
(469) 457-4711
