The sense of smell is like many things, it’s something we can take for granted unless we don’t have it.
In addition to enabling us to savour numerous pleasant aromas such as a well-cooked meal, fresh flowers or a pleasing cologne scent our sense of smell can also act as a potentially lifesaving early warning system.
Today (February 27) marks Anosmia Awareness Day. Anosmia is the medical term for the loss or lack of a sense of smell, and it’s thought that around 5 per cent of the UK population* have the condition. There are a variety of causes for Anosmia, which can be temporary or permanent and those with it may also experience a reduced sense of taste. However, Anosmia can have potentially lethal consequences as those who have it may be unable to detect potentially lethal warning odours such as smoke or gas.
The natural gas that we use in the UK has no natural smell, so odorant is added to it which gives the gas its characteristic ‘rotten egg’ smell, enabling potential gas leaks to be identified, reported and repaired.
If you have a problem with your sense of smell and use gas appliances within your home, you could be at risk if there is a problem with your gas, as you may not be able to smell any escaping gas.
Cadent has been working with Fifth Sense, a charity working with those affected by taste and smell disorders, and we’ve outlined these four simple steps to help you stay safe in your home:
For more on Fifth Sense visit https://www.fifthsense.org.uk/
Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy. We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change. Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency. Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing.
Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.
Cadent manages the national gas emergency service free phone line on behalf of the gas industry - 0800 111 999*
Cadent Gas Ltd is owned by a consortium of global investors.
*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.
