Gasoline vapors are denser than air, meaning these vapors will sink and collect at the lowest point. Effective air circulation may help disperse gasoline vapors. An open flame is not necessary to ignite gas vapors; one spark can cause gasoline vapors to ignite.
Example Liquids and Their Properties
| Substance | Class | Flash Point | Vapor Density** |
| Gasoline | Flammable Liquid | -45 o F | 3-4 |
| Propane | Flammable Liquid | -156 o F | 1.56 @ 32 o F |
| Ethanol | Flammable Liquid | 55 o F | 1.6 |
| Methanol | Flammable Liquid | 52 o F | 1.1 |
| Turpentine | Flammable Liquid | 95 o F | 4.8 |
| Kerosene | Combustible Liquid | 100 o F | 4.5 |
| Diesel Fuel | Combustible Liquid | 125 o F | >1 |
| Safety Solvent | Combustible Liquid | 100-140 o F | 4.8 |
| Paint Thinner | Combustible Liquid | 105 o F | 4.9 |
Gasoline is termed Flammable because of its Low Flashpoint and High Vapor Density.
Kerosene and Diesel Fuel are termed Combustible because their Flashpoint is greater than 100 degrees F.
Gasoline produces ignitable vapors that are 3 to 4 times heavier than air and can travel for great distances along the ground. Gas vapors tend to accumulate in low or enclosed spaces. These vapors can then be ignited by a nearby open flame, such as a pilot light of a water heater.
The vast majority of gasoline-related burn injuries and deaths involve males under the age of 45. Most occur between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
1 gallon of gasoline = 20 sticks of dynamite!
Two simple rules regarding gasoline:
- Gasoline has only ONE function: Never use gasoline as a cleaning fluid or solvent.
- Gasoline should never be used or stored indoors or in close proximity to sources of heat or flame.
- Never use gasoline around a flame source. Be particularly aware of sources such as matches, lighters, cigarettes and pilot lights on stoves and water heaters or in well-ventilated areas Start charcoal grills with fuels labeled as charcoal starter fluid—never use gasoline.
- Fill the tanks prior to use. Refuel with the engine turned off and cool.
- Running engines on gasoline-powered equipment such as mowers can spark and cause ignition of the gasoline.
- If you are transporting gasoline in a car, keep the container in the trunk and keep the trunk lid ajar for ventilation.
- Never siphon gasoline by mouth. It can be fatal if swallowed.
- Always keep the minimum amount of gas required (generally no more than a gallon).
- If gasoline is swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.
gasoline and fumes the difference
FAQ
Is gasoline fumes lighter or heavier than air?
Do petrol Vapours rise or fall?
How far do gas fumes travel?
Can gasoline fumes cause an explosion?
Why does natural gas sink?
Natural gas is primarily composed of methane, a colorless and nearly odorless gas that’s lighter than air. As a result, it will gradually displace oxygenated air from the top down if enough of it is released in a confined space. In contrast, liquefied petroleum gases like propane are heavier than air, causing them to sink. What Does This Mean?
Why does natural gas smell bad?
Because of the potential danger associated with natural gas leaks, suppliers add the noxious scent to natural gas as an olfactory warning that the harmful vapors are loose in the air. This precautionary measure indicates the inherent hazards of natural gas that can, at the right levels, kill you.
Does natural gas rise?
The short answer? Yes, natural gas does rise. The longer answer is that it rises because of its composition. Natural gas is primarily composed of methane, a colorless and nearly odorless gas that’s lighter than air. As a result, it will gradually displace oxygenated air from the top down if enough of it is released in a confined space.
What happens if you strike a gas pipeline?
Striking a pipeline can endanger your life since the gas is highly explosive and could disrupt natural gas service to surrounding homes. Natural gas pipeline leaks and explosions cause about 17 deaths in the U.S. every year [source: Jackson et al. ]. What does a gas leak smell like?