Natural gas consists primarily of methane and is:
- the cleanest burning fossil fuel
- odourless and colourless
- lighter than air
Natural gas can be used as a fuel because it is combustible in the presence of oxygen.
Because natural gas has no odor or colour, an odorant called Mercaptan is added to the natural gas. Mercaptan's strong smell even at low volumes ensures early detection and adds to the public's safety.