Why is it important to have odorant in propane?

• A. To improve combustion
• B. To help detect leaks
• C. To increase energy content
• D. To reduce spillage

Answer: (B)

Propane is odorless, so without any scent you wouldn’t notice a leak until gas had built up and possibly become hazardous. An odorant—usually a sulfur-containing compound—gives propane a strong, easily recognizable smell even at very low concentrations. That smell alerts you to a leak so you can shut off the gas, ventilate the area, and prevent fires or asphyxiation. The odorant is present in small amounts and doesn’t change how propane burns or its energy content, nor does it affect how the liquid or vapor behaves in normal use. It’s a safety feature designed to help you detect leaks quickly. If you ever detect the smell of rotten eggs or sulfur around propane equipment, leave the area, avoid ignition sources, and contact the gas supplier or emergency services.