A harmless but highly-pungent chemical which is added to odourless gas to make it detectable could have sparked the strong smell of gas which raised alarm in Marsa two days ago, this newspaper has learnt.

Known as mercaptan, this chemical is widely used as an additive to propane and butane gas which is used for cooking and heating. It produces a strong odour, even in extremely small quantities.

On Thursday night the Civil Protection Department cordoned a section of the Marsa industrial estate, following concerns of a gas leak from the Easygas bottling plant due to the strong odour present. However, onsite tests revealed no alarming presence of gas, possibly indicating a minor leak or none at all.

Industry sources told the Times of Malta that one possible cause for the strong smell could have been the leakage of a sludge which accumulates at the bottom of gas tanks and containers. He added that this sludge contains chemicals, including mercaptan which over time liquefy and sink to the bottom.

Read more in the Times of Malta.

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