Propane Gas Recall Issued Due to Lack of Odorant Risk

An estimated 1.7 million gallons of propane gas distributed by Keyera Energy may not contain sufficient levels of odorant to alert consumers of a gas leak, posing a risk of injury associated with exposure to the gas or a propane explosion. 

The Keyera Energy propane recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on June 5, impacting gas distributed throughout the United States. Although the gas may not have proper levels of odorant, no injuries or adverse events have been reported to date.

Propane is required to contain certain levels of odorant, which allows customers to smell a gas leak. Otherwise, propane has no odor, meaning a gas leak may not be detected. If a leak goes undetected, it may result in an explosion, fire, over-exposure or thermal burns.

In addition to the risk of fire and explosion, propane can cause serious injury when breathed or swallowed. When inhaled, propane gas takes the place of oxygen in the lungs and can result in asphyxiation and breathing difficulties that could be fatal if prolonged.

Side effects of propane poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, fever and headache, skin and throat irritation, respiratory difficulties, dizziness, burning of the mouth and throat, and in prolonged exposures may cause seizures.

The recall includes about 1.7 million gallons of propane (LP) gas delivered to consumers for use in storage tanks, and sold to retail locations in portable refillable cylinder used for recreational vehicles, grills, stoves and appliances. The propane was also distributed to businesses for commercial and industrial use.

The recalled propane was manufactured in the U.S. under Keyera Energy Inc., of Houston, Texas. It was distributed in Texas and Louisiana by various companies and sold by retailers between February 2018 and April 2018.

Customers are being asked not to test the propane themselves, and to contact the retailer, supplier or Keyera Energy at 844-879-8419, or by email at propane@keyera.com, to arrange a free inspection. If the propane is determined to not have sufficient levels of odorant, the manufacturer will arrange for additional odorization or replacement of the gas.

The CPSC is warning customers to be alert for the smell of gas and to always place carbon monoxide alarms in homes or other buildings that utilize propane gas. In the event even a faint smell of gas is detected, customers should immediately leave the building and call 911 and their gas supplier.

In December 2017, CPSC officials annonced a similar recall of 46 million gallons of Western Gas propane due to the lack of sufficient odorization to detect a gas leak. The recalled propane was distributed by Western Gas Partners LP, of The Woodlands, Texas, to various retailers in Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming from April 2015 through October 2017.