Natural gas can only ignite under two simultaneous circumstances: the gas must be present in a concentration of 5 to 15 percent relative to the air, and the gas must come in contact with an ignition source that is 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit or more. In contrast, gasoline’s ignition temperature is between 430 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
To help customers detect leaks, Hawaiʻi gas adds an odorant to the gas so that even small leaks can be detected quickly. With the odorant, natural gas can be detected at a concentration of less than 1 percent in the air. This is far below the amount required for ignition to occur.
When natural gas escapes, it rises and dissipates harmlessly and quickly into the atmosphere. Unlike other fossil fuels, natural gas does not pool and requires no environmental clean-up.
Natural gas is one of the cleanest burning of all the fossil fuels. Homes that use natural gas appliances instead of electricity can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 37 percent.
Geologists, government agencies and industry experts today say there up to 100 or more years of proven natural gas reserves, and additional reserves are being discovered each year.
Propane tanks are 20 times more puncture resistant than tanks filled with ethanol, methanol or gasoline. They are constructed from carbon steel, under procedures developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
In the unlikely event that propane is released into the air, it will “pool” on the ground until it is blown away. Hawaiʻi Gas adds an odorant so propane vapor can be detected quickly. All propane systems are also installed to meet the industry’s rigorous safety standards.
Propane is an approved clean alternative fuel listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act. Unlike other fossil fuels, propane is non-toxic and doesn’t contaminate water or land resources in the unlikely event of a spill.
Propane tanks are environmentally friendly, require little maintenance, and can last up to 40 years. Propane's portability in liquid form makes it a convenient fuel for grilling, camping, and other uses.
