Tag: Mercaptan

Natural gas, used in many homes, is naturally odorless, which is why a chemical called mercaptan is added to give it a signature rotten-egg scent for safety purposes. Knowing how to react and how do you get rid of a strong gas smell is critical, as the cause can range from a dangerous leak to a simple plumbing issue or even a dietary change affecting your body.

Despite common belief, pure methane is a completely odorless and colorless gas, meaning it has no smell on its own. So, what does methane smell like when you detect a gas leak or sewer gas? The familiar rotten-egg scent is actually due to other compounds mixed with it.