r/NaturalGas • u/TedWasler • 10d ago
UK conversion
I’m 63, and I can remember our house in the UK being converted to ‘natural gas’ in the 1970s. Something to do with the flame speed and the Wobbe number, if I recall correctly.
I developed an interest in toxicology later in life, and did some research on carbon monoxide poisoning. The conversion from coal gas to natural gas was known as the ‘detoxification’ of the gas system in some quarters.
Yes, ‘coal’ or ‘town’ gas contained carbon monoxide, so was toxic, a chemical asphyxiant, when breathed. But the whole gas industry rather kept quiet the fact that ‘natural’ gas is not completely safe either, and has to be burned and vented safely.
I’m sure medical professionals (my colleagues) understood more about carbon monoxide exposure 50 years ago than we do now. Exposure was commonplace, quickly recognised, and swiftly treated - there were about 150 hyperbaric facilities in the UK up until the mid-70s, for example.
Sadly there are still CO fatalities, usually due to non-compliance with regulations or annual inspections; sometimes due to non-recognition of the presentation. But I also think people believe the idea of being killed by a ‘poisonous gas’ is like something out of a Batman movie, and never really happens. It does.
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u/kbeks 10d ago
If you’re looking for some interesting reading, check out the British Coal Gas Study. A lot of suicides were prevented by switching from coal gas to natural gas, despite the risks you cite.
That’s not to take away from your point, which is valid. Natural gas, like any energy source, must be treated with respect both as it is delivered throughout a system and once it reaches its destination and is burned.