Gas Leaks in Illinois Residential Buildings Present Real Risk of Explosions

 Posted on February 05, 2022 in Personal Injury

While our natural gas lines are something most of us would prefer never to think about, they tend to turn up problems at the most inconvenient times. Winters in Chicago are notoriously cold and gray, and a malfunctioning gas line may result in a lack of heat or hot water when you need it most. The United States Environmental Protection Agency states that natural gas and petroleum systems are also among the largest man-made contributors of methane in the country.

The worst consequences of leaky or improperly functioning gas lines, however, are not simply inconvenient, uncomfortable, or bad for the environment. Leaking gas lines can present a significant hazard to your health and may even trigger life-threatening gas explosions. Ideally, landlords and property owners are responsive and address gas leaks immediately, but when they do not, serious personal injuries can occur.

How Common Are Gas Line Leaks?

Most gas leaks are so small they go undetected. Even larger gas leaks are usually only noticed because of that familiar terrible sulfur smell. In fact, natural gas actually has no smell at all - compounds called “thiols” are added to civilian natural gas so gas leaks are more readily detectable.

Although gas leaks are regularly monitored by natural gas providers, only the serious ones get fixed. This may sound strange, but most gas leaks are not a threat as long as they are not in an enclosed space and the gas leakage is relatively small. Yet it is important to be aware of signs of gas leaks so that if you have one in your home or workplace, you can take action.

Dangers of Gas Leaks

By far the most well-known and consequential result of a major gas leak is an explosion. Fires and explosions can result from even a small spark in a room full of natural gas, and if the gas is concentrated enough, the explosions can be severe enough to destroy homes and even high-rise buildings.

Gas leaks also present health dangers. Long-term exposure to natural gas can trigger several problems, including:

• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Respiratory problems
• Depression
• Decrease in overall health quality

Signs of a gas leak include that distinct sulfur smell, broken or damaged pipes, dead vegetation near gas lines, and a hissing or blowing sound. If you suspect there is a gas leak in your building, put out any flames if it is safe to do so, get out of the building, and call for help.

Call a Naperville, IL Gas Leaks and Explosions Lawyer

If you have suffered the consequences of a mismanaged gas leak or from an explosion resulting from a gas leak, consider calling an experienced Naperville, IL gas explosion injuries attorney with Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices. We offer free consultations to help you determine whether another party is responsible for your injuries, and, if appropriate, pursue the compensation to which you may be entitled. Call us at 630-932-9100 to schedule your no-risk consultation today.

Sources:

https://www.peoplesgasdelivery.com/safety/emergency

https://www.healthline.com/health/gas-leak-symptoms#what-to-do