How to recognize the smell of propane

Propane has a strong, unpleasant smell like rotten eggs, a skunk’s spray, or a dead animal. Propane manufacturers add the smell deliberately to help alert customers to propane leaks, which can create a safety hazard.  Simply ask us for a demonstration of the smell of propane if interested.


Can you smell it?

  • It may be hard for some people to smell propane for the following reasons:

  • They have a cold, allergies, sinus congestion, or another medical condition.

  • Their sense of smell is reduced due to use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs.

  • Tobacco smoke, cooking odors, and other strong odors can mask the smell of propane.

  • As people age, their sense of smell can become less sensitive.

  • If the smell of propane is present in the air over a period of time, “odor fatigue” can occur. The nose “gets tired,” and a person no longer smells the propane odor.

  • The propane smell may not be strong enough to wake up someone who is sleeping.

  • The propane smell may be in a location (basement or attic) where it is not detected by people in other areas of the building.

  • A phenomenon called “odor loss” can occur—an unintended reduction in the concentration of the odor of propane (as explained on page 8).

What is odor loss?


Odor Loss. On rare occasions, propane can lose its odor. Several things can cause this including:





IF YOU ARE CONCERNED that you or others in your home may have difficulty smelling propane, consider buying one or more propane gas detectors.


In addition, call your propane supplier immediately if you think that you smell propane gas.