Q: I just heard about another house exploding from a propane gas leak. I know that an additive is added to natural gas so you can smell a leak. Does propane gas have a natural odor or is there an additive added to it?
—Evelyn Williams, Lilburn
A: The chemical methanethiol, also called mercaptan, is added to give an odor to propane gas, which is colorless and odorless. Ethyl mercaptan and methyl mercaptan are naturally occurring and can smell like rotten eggs, skunk spray, rotting vegetables or even bad breath, depending on a person's sense of smell.
Firefighters in Lancaster, Ohio, were called several times to investigate a potential propane leak in 2010 and ’11, only to learn the smell was coming from a field of rotting radishes. People who smoke or have a cold or sinus issues might have trouble detecting a propane leak by smell, experts warn.
Q: In light of the recent problems at our nation’s VAs, who has been fired? Can you publish a list of those who have been fired, and will criminal proceedings be forthcoming against them?
—Richard W. Mills, Villa Rica
A: Eric Shinseki resigned as the head of the Department of Veterans Affairs on May 30, and Sharon Helman, the former administrator of the Phoenix VA Health Care System, was placed on leave in May, but continues to receive her annual salary of about $170,000. Lance Robinson, the associate director for Phoenix, and Health Administration Services Director Brad Curry were put on leave May 1. The FBI opened a criminal investigation of the VA in June.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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