The silent danger of methane gas: symptoms, precautions and first aid
Lecturer from Altınbaş University Vocational School of Health Services Assist. Özlem Karagöl gave a comprehensive information about methane gas.
After the martyrdom of 12 soldiers due to methane gas poisoning in the North of Iraq, the issue of Methane Gas came to the agenda again.
Altınbaş University Vocational School of Health Services Lecturer. Assist. Özlem Karagöl said, “Methane gas, which is colorless, odorless and highly flammable, poses an invisible threat, especially in closed environments,” and drew attention to many critical points from the properties of methane gas to the symptoms of poisoning and first aid intervention.
Not suffocating but can suffocate
Methane gas (CH₄), the main component of natural gas, is a colorless and odorless gas that is abundant in the atmosphere. Although not directly toxic, in high concentrations it can cause suffocation by displacing oxygen. This makes it an invisible threat.
"The biggest danger is that it goes unnoticed. Since it is odorless, it is often not felt. For this reason, odorants are added to natural gases," Karagöl said, especially coal mines, biogas plants,
Poisoning symptoms should be taken seriously
Symptoms in individuals exposed to methane gas vary according to the level of exposure:
Mild symptoms: Dizziness, nausea, lightheadedness, fatigue
Moderate symptoms: Vomiting, muscle weakness, rapid pulse, confusion
Severe cases: Loss of consciousness, respiratory arrest, seizures and even death
First intervention saves lives
Karagöl drew attention to the importance of rapid intervention in contact with methane gas:
Shut off the gas supply, ventilate the environment
Do not touch electrical switches, do not create sparks
Remove the person to fresh air
Check respiration and circulation (ABC)
Perform artificial respiration and CPR if necessary
Call 112 Emergency and get professional support
It also plays a role in climate change
Methane gas is dangerous not only for individual health but also for global climate change. This gas, which has the capacity to retain 84 times more heat than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, increases the greenhouse effect and contributes to global warming.