Protecting Public Safety
Natural gas fuels American homes. Consumers can opt for natural gas for most household appliances, including water heaters, furnaces, clothes dryers, ranges, fireplaces, and even some refrigerators. Data from the American Gas Association demonstrates that most households utilizing natural gas have more than one gas appliance.
Recent studies indicate that even when these appliances are turned off, they may leak small amounts of natural gas into their immediate environment. Utility companies add a chemical to natural gas that smells like rotten eggs to alert people to potential gas leaks, but in small concentrations this odor may be undetectable and, over time, a small amount of gas can accumulate to a point where it becomes a hazard.
Smoke detectors have been mandated in American homes since 1976, and, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 38 states require carbon monoxide detectors in private dwellings. Why? Because smoke and carbon monoxide monitors are simple, low-cost, effective alarms that save countless lives every year. Natural gas detectors serve an equally important role in keeping American families safe.
Over 75 Million Households Use Natural Gas for at Least One Appliance
50%
of all households with natural gas have three or more appliances in the home
In 2020, the Total Number of Natural Gas End-Uses in Households Was 194 Million
80%
of all households with natural gas have two or more gas appliances in the home
20%
of all households with natural gas have all four types of appliances in the home
American Gas Association | Based on data from DOE Energy Information Administration, Residential Energy Consumption Survey 2015 and 2020.
We’ve all seen headlines like these --
“House Explodes in Haymarket After Gas Leak,” October 2024
“Gas Leak Believed to be Cause of Massive Oakland County Condo Explosion,” November 2024
“Deadly House Explosion was Caused by Gas Leak,” November 2024
According to data gathered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), gas fires and explosions kill 40 and injure 140 Americans on average each year. NFPA data indicates that the number of residential gas leaks reported annually from 2007 to 2016 rose forty percent from 100,000 to 141,000 incidents. The danger is only expected to increase due to aging gas pipeline infrastructure, but replacing this infrastructure is a costly and time-consuming initiative.
In the interim, mandating natural gas detectors is a logical step to improve and protect public safety. This requirement is in accordance with the best practices established by the NFPA and developed at the request of the American Gas Association.
We can avoid headlines about natural gas explosions and the heartbreaking loss of life that often accompanies them. The solution is simple and already exists. Mandating the use of natural gas detectors will save lives.
