What is natural gas?
Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is found in underground rock formations or oil fields. 
It is a compound that is lighter than air and is composed of methane (CH4), ethane (C2H4) and propane (C3H8). 
These hydrocarbons remain in gaseous state under atmospheric conditions and are widely used in the market, for example: 
Petrochemical raw materials 
Thermoelectric power generation 
Fertilizer production 
Vehicle fuel - Compressed Natural Gas. 
Although it has a wide range of applications, the situation where there is a gas leak is extremely dangerous. 
What are the dangers of natural gas?
Although there are no symptoms when the skin or other parts of the body come into contact with natural gas, inhaling it can pose a danger to the human body. 
The level of danger will directly depend on the concentration of natural gas in the environment and the ventilation conditions of the site. 
It is worth noting that the impact of natural gas is not only due to exposure to it, but also because it may cause asphyxiation. 
At low concentrations, the main symptoms of exposure to natural gas are: 
Headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, irregular breathing. 
When the concentration of natural gas in the air is between 25% and 30%, oxygen deficiency can cause tinnitus, euphoria and behavioral changes. 

At high concentrations, the danger of natural gas increases. 
The poisoning is severe and may lead to death. 
Usually, exposure to natural gas and lack of oxygen will cause the following symptoms: 
Severe headache, extreme fatigue and nausea, memory problems, loss of motor coordination, loss of consciousness, suffocation and death. 
It must be pointed out that, in addition to these risks, natural gas is a flammable gas. Within its explosive range, it can cause a major explosion, causing property damage or harming people near the explosion point. 
To avoid these risks, it is necessary to equip with gas detectors. These detectors should be able to quickly detect leaks before they cause damage to the health of workers in the hazardous environment or before an explosion occurs. 

How to use a gas detector?
To use the detector effectively, three aspects need to be considered: the gases and harmful substances present in the environment, the characteristics of natural gas, and the air flow at the location. 
When using natural gas or other fuels, certain areas are more susceptible to the effects than others. 
Therefore, please inspect all the currently in-use equipment and identify any possible leakage points. 
Furthermore, attention should be focused on the locations where natural gas is most frequently used, such as boilers, compressors, cylinders and pipelines. 
As mentioned before, natural gas is lighter than air. Therefore, it is recommended to install the detector at a high position above the doors and windows, i.e., in the area where the gas is likely to accumulate when a leak occurs. 
Finally, the air flow of the environment must be taken into account for the correct installation of the equipment. 
The detection methods for gases and their locations should be considered. By continuously monitoring the combustibility of the ambient gases, the safety of personnel can be ensured. 
Any gas leakage detection system should include audible and visual alarms to alert of the presence of gas and enable employees to evacuate the work area before the danger becomes severe. 
For the detection of natural gas and other flammable, toxic gases or oxygen, a more detailed study of the installation location of the detectors is required.