Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To have thought carbon monoxide has a smell?!

90 replies

Aghhhk · 16/03/2025 06:47

I thought when you smell gas that was carbon monoxide… am I wrong?

OP posts:
Original poster
Aghhhk · 16/03/2025 06:58

BlondiePortz · 16/03/2025 06:56

What does oxygen smell like? Or carbon dioxide?

Edited
Show quote history

@BlondiePortz but how is carbon monoxide created? If it’s from a fire then isn’t that going to be obvious that’s happening?

OP posts:
TickingAlongNicely · 16/03/2025 06:57

Aghhhk · 16/03/2025 06:53

I don’t understand how carbon monoxide can occur then?

Why is there a smell in gas we use if that’s not the dangerous one?

When something burns in a place without sufficient oxygen, there isn't enough oxygen to make carbon dioxide. So carbon monoxide is made.

Carbon monoxide can bind to blood cells easier than oxygen, so when you breathe it in, it stops your body getting oxygen.

Natural gas explodes when it meets an ignition source. Something as simple as turning on a light switch. So when you see those pictures in the news of a house thats exploded... thats been caused by a build up of natural gas from a gas leak that has then ignited.

Dangerous in different ways.

Solasum · 16/03/2025 06:57

Because kitchen gas can also be dangerous, as it can catch fire

BlondiePortz · 16/03/2025 06:56

Aghhhk · 16/03/2025 06:53

I don’t understand how carbon monoxide can occur then?

Why is there a smell in gas we use if that’s not the dangerous one?

What does oxygen smell like? Or carbon dioxide?

TheSandgroper · 16/03/2025 06:55

It’s also a component of car exhaust which is why rear windows on station wagons no longer open. Australia found that out the hard way.

Original poster
Aghhhk · 16/03/2025 06:53

I don’t understand how carbon monoxide can occur then?

Why is there a smell in gas we use if that’s not the dangerous one?

OP posts:
Livinginvnam · 16/03/2025 06:52

Natural gas is technically odourless too, but gas companies put sulfur compounds in so it becomes detectable. You would never notice carbon monoxide by its odour.

TheSandgroper · 16/03/2025 06:52

Yes, you are wrong. CO (carbon monoxide) is colourless and odourless which is why it kills so easily. Also, people who have died of it have lovely, rosy cheeks so just look asleep.

In Australia, our piped gas has a stenchant added to it so that you can smell when there is a problem.

Missgemini · 16/03/2025 06:50

You’re wrong. That’s why everyone should have carbon monoxide detectors.

Violashifts · 16/03/2025 06:50

Are you mixing it up with natural gas such as methane? A smell is actually added to that in Science labs etc for safety.

hazelnutvanillalatte · 16/03/2025 06:50

Google it! There isn't a smell. My entire family once almost died due to a faulty boiler.

TickingAlongNicely · 16/03/2025 06:50

The gass you can smell is from your cooker, boiler etc... it has something added to it to make you smell. Thats a gas leak.

Carbon monoxide is caused by fires etc not burning properly. Its known as the silent killer. You can't smell it.

Junn · 16/03/2025 06:49

Yes you are wrong. Carbon monoxide is odourless, that’s why it’s so dangerous.

iliketobereasonable · 16/03/2025 06:49

Yes, you are wrong. Carbon monoxide does not smell.

SpinningTops · 16/03/2025 06:49

Yes, you are wrong. Carbon monoxide is odourless.