Guidance

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG): general information

Updated 10 October 2024

Overview

LPG or liquefied petroleum gas is a colourless and highly flammable gas. It is a component of natural gas and consists primarily of propane, butane, or a mixture of both. The gas can be stored, compressed as a liquid in cylinders for later use. In the UK it supplied to standard to BS 4250.

To help detect leaks of the odourless gas, compounds such as ethanethiol (ethyl mercaptan) are added to give a distinct odour detectable by most people at low concentrations

Uses of LPG

LPG has a variety of uses. It is widely used as a fuel for domestic or camping heating and cooking appliances. It is also used as a lighter fuel, as a refrigerant, as a propellant in aerosols, as a fuel in some vehicles and for the production of other chemicals and materials.

How LPG gets into the environment

LPG may be released into the environment during its use, storage, handling, or disposal; it may also be released following an accident at any of these stages. LPG is rapidly broken down in the environment following its release to air.

Exposure to LPG

The general population could be exposed to LPG when using equipment, appliances or products that use LPG as a fuel (for example, camping stoves). However, when using products as recommended by the manufacturer, any exposures to LPG are likely to be small.

Exposure to LPG may also occur in the workplace, where it is stored, used, transported, produced, or disposed of. Safe levels are enforced to protect employees who may be exposed to LPG at work. Such levels are below those that are thought to cause harmful effects.

How exposure to LPG can affect your health

The presence of LPG in the environment does not always lead to exposure. In order for it to cause any adverse health effects, you must come into contact with it. You may be exposed by breathing in the substance, or by skin contact. Following exposure to any chemical, the adverse health effects, you may encounter depend on several factors, including the amount to which you are exposed (dose), the way you are exposed, the duration of exposure, the form of the chemical and if you were exposed to any other chemicals.

Inhalation of the gas may cause agitation, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, flushing, headache and lack of coordination and balance. Exposure to high concentrations (following misuse) may cause breathing and heart problems, fitting, coma, and death. Asphyxiation may also occur from exposure to high levels. Skin contact with the liquefied gas as it escapes a container can cause frostbite. LPG is highly flammable.

LPG and cancer

LPG specifically has not been assessed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). It is not considered to cause an increased cancer risk.

1,3 butadiene is a chemical which may be found in LPG as an impurity from its production. IARC has assessed 1,3-butadiene and considers that it causes cancer in humans. Under EU Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulations LPG that contains over 0,1% 1,3-butadiene must be labelled as having the potential to cause cancer and mutations. Where the supplier has assured that this chemical is not present above 0.1% in their LPG, the container does not have to carry these or any other health warnings.

Pregnancy and the unborn child

There are no relevant studies available to assess the reproductive and developmental effects of LPG in humans. Following normal use of LPG products, as recommended by the manufacturer, any exposure should be very small and would not be expected to harm the unborn child.

Serious harm to the unborn child has been reported following use of butane as a recreational drug by pregnant women.

Find information on exposure to butane during pregnancy on the National Library of Medicine.

Children

There is no evidence that children would be affected differently to adults following exposure to LPG. LPG products should be kept out of the reach of children and stored appropriately.

What to do if you are exposed to LPG

Low level exposure as may occur from the correct use of LPG products would not be expected to cause any adverse health effects. However, if you have any health concerns regarding exposure to LPG seek guidance from your GP or contact NHS 111.

Additional sources of information

UKLPG - UKLPG website

HSE - Liquefied Petroleum Gas

NHS Choices - Poisoning

Email chemcompendium@ukhsa.gov.uk if you have any questions about this guidance or enquiries@ukhsa.gov.uk if you have any other questions.

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