As a natural gas supplier, one of our highest priorities at True Natural Gas is making sure you feel safe and confident using natural gas in your home or business. Natural gas is one of the cleanest, most reliable energy sources available today—but did you know that natural gas is completely odorless in its original form? The scent you associate with gas leaks isn’t natural at all—it’s added intentionally as part of a critical safety measure.

Why Natural Gas Has No Natural Odor

Methane, the primary component of natural gas, has no smell, color, or taste. While this makes it a clean-burning fuel, it also makes leaks difficult to detect without assistance. That’s why gas suppliers and pipeline operators add a harmless but unmistakable odorant to the gas long before it reaches your home.

Meet Mercaptan: The Safety Additive

The safety additive most commonly used is called mercaptan. It’s a sulfur-based compound known for its strong, distinct smell often described as:

• Rotten eggs

• Sulfur

• Cooked cabbage

• A skunky, sharp odor

This scent is intentionally unpleasant because its purpose is to alert you quickly if natural gas is present where it shouldn’t be.

Even though only a tiny amount is added, mercaptan is incredibly effective. The human nose can detect it at extremely low concentrations, making it one of the most reliable safety tools in the natural gas industry.

Why the Added Odor Is So Important

Mercaptan helps ensure you can identify a gas leak long before it becomes dangerous. Early detection means:

• Faster evacuation

• Reduced risk of fire

• Quicker response times from emergency services

• Protection for your home and family

At True Natural Gas, we work closely with pipeline operators and safety regulators to ensure every cubic foot of gas delivered to our customers includes the correct odor level for dependable detection.

What You Should Do If You Smell Gas

If you ever notice the rotten-egg odor:

1. Leave the area immediately—do not investigate.

2. Avoid flipping switches, using electronics, or creating sparks.

3. Call your local gas utility’s emergency line (not the supplier).

4. Contact us once the area is safe—our team is here to guide you.

Natural gas is extremely safe when used properly. Odorized gas is one of the many built-in safety features designed to protect you every day. At True Natural Gas, your safety is always our top priority, and we’re proud to deliver energy that’s not only clean and affordable but also carefully monitored from pipeline to home.