What is propane?

What is propane?

  • Propane is a safe and widely used fuel. It is nontoxic and produces minimal emissions.
  • Propane is produced from both natural gas processing and crude oil refining, in roughly equal amounts.
  • Propane is a hydrocarbon and is sometimes referred to as liquefied petroleum gas, LP-gas or LPG.
  • In its natural form, propane is colorless and odorless. Manufacturers deliberately add a chemical compound to give it a strong unpleasant odor, like rotten eggs, a skunk’s spray, or a dead animal, in order to alert customers of a leak.
  • Propane is transported and stored in tanks as a very cold liquid fuel, and may cause a “freeze burn” or frostbite if it contacts the skin .
  • Although propane is stored as a liquid, it is changed into gas vapor before leaving the tank.
  • Propane will not ignite when combined with air unless the source of ignition reaches 920-degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Propane gas is not harmful to soil or ground water.
  • Over 95% of the propane use in the United States is produced in North America.