Additional Details

Description

Methane has been found as a dissolved gas in numerous ground-water samples from water wells in West Virginia. Methane (CH4) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that can cause oxygen-deficient atmospheres, flammable situations, or explosive environments. Methane can ignite at atmospheric concentrations between 5 and 15 percent, and higher concentrations of methane can quickly dilute to flammable levels. Thus, the accumulation of methane gas in an enclosed area may cause an explosive environment in which an ignition source such as an electrical outlet, pilot light, match, or even a well pump could trigger a violent explosion. In addition to the obvious hazards associated with explosions , the breathing of methane in high concentrations can lead to asphyxiation, and the burning of methane produces toxic gases (Eltschlager and others, 2001).

Survey Date

2006

Print Date

2006

Two Sided

Yes

Pieces

1

Languages

English