Dangerous gases in daily life

Gas is a gas that can be used as a fuel and can refer to: liquefied petroleum gas, coal gas, natural gas, combustible gas, synthesis gas, wood gas, and biogas. The common ones in our home are gas and natural gas. The main components of gas are hydrogen and carbon monoxide, with small amounts of nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Therefore, people often say “gas poisoning” refers to carbon monoxide poisoning. The gas itself is colorless and odorless, we often say “gas odor” is actually a trace of malodorous mercaptan (now replaced by tetrahydrothiophene), as a warning. Natural gas, on the other hand, is mainly methane, a gaseous fossil fuel composed of methane.

Natural gas is also colorless and odorless, so again, malodorous mercaptans or tetrahydrothiophene are added to it. In terms of composition, hydrogen is extremely is an extremely flammable gas; while methane is very flammable in atmospheric pressure environments with more than 5% to 15% in the air.

How to prevent toxic gases?

1. Respiratory protection: After confirming the occurrence of a toxic gas leak or attack, you should immediately cover your mouth and nose with handkerchiefs, napkins, clothing and other items within reach. If you have water or drinks on hand, it is best to soak your handkerchiefs and clothing. It is best to wear a gas mask or gas mask in time. 

2. Skin protection: Wear gloves, raincoats, rain shoes, etc. as much as possible, or cover exposed skin with sheets or clothing. If protective equipment such as chemical-resistant clothing is available, wear it in a timely manner. 

3. Eye protection: Wear a variety of anti-gas glasses, protective goggles or swimming goggles as much as possible. 

4. Evacuation: Judge the source of the poison and the wind direction, along the upwind or side upwind route, towards the direction away from the source of the rapid withdrawal from the scene.

 5. Decontamination: After arriving at a safe place, take off contaminated clothes in time and rinse the body with flowing water, especially the part that was once exposed. 

6. Rescue: quickly call the emergency telephone, the poisoned person will be sent to the hospital as early as possible for treatment. Poisoned persons should remain calm while waiting for help and avoid strenuous exercise, so as not to aggravate the burden on the heart and lungs and cause the condition to deteriorate. 

7. Food testing: Food and water from the contaminated area and neighboring areas should not be used casually and should be tested for harmlessness before consumption.

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