Propane’s Common Use in Puerto Rico Means People Need to be Aware of Exposure Risks

Propane is the dominant heating fuel for most of Puerto Rico. Due to the islands’ tropical climate, much of the propane used is for heating water tanks, boilers and for cooking.  It is also used in industrial applications and to power equipment such as forklifts and a growing fleet of vehicles that have been switched from gasoline to operate on propane. Propane is also used to manufacture other chemicals and is utilized as a refrigerant, solvent and aerosol propellant.
 
Propane is a colorless and odorless (in its natural state) gas or liquid that is highly flammable. It is produced as a by-product of natural gas processing and crude oil refining and is the principal component of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). 
 
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, propane is an asphyxiant, which cuts off oxygen to the body so exposure to very high concentrations can cause death by suffocation. High level exposure to propane can cause cardiac arrest, incapacitation, unconsciousness and seizures. Exposure to lower levels of propane can cause damage to the central nervous system, lung congestion, fluid in the lungs, fatigue, decreased night vision, tunnel vision, hallucinations, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, headache, euphoria, numbness and tingling of arms and legs, hyperventilation, rapid heartbeat, poor judgment, confusion, memory loss, anorexia, nosebleeds, conjunctivitis, weight loss, and skin irritation and discoloration.
 
“Inhalation exposure is a serious concern whenever there is a propane leak, even a small leak that occurs over time,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “Because it is denser than air, a leak in a propane delivery or storage system will often result in the gas sinking into any low and enclosed areas creating a dangerous situation. To identify the presence of propane and to help ensure a healthy indoor environment, Zimmetry offers air quality testing services for propane and other combustible gases along with an extensive array of other airborne pollutants.”
 
Zimmetry Environmental recently sponsored an educational video about propane exposure concerns that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/SQXiM4ojsc0
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their building science, indoor environmental quality, occupational, compliance and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .
 
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies.  The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America.  The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services.
 

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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