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Outdoor Air - Transportation: Gas Cans - Additional Information
This information will help you gain a better understanding of questions homeowners may have about gas cans. The sections below provide more information on this topic.
- What are the health effects of exposure to gasoline vapors?
- What are gas cans?
- How can I reduce emissions of gasoline vapors when using my gas can?
- Why should I replace my old gas can with an improved gas can?
What are the health effects of exposure to gasoline vapors?
Gas cans emit pollutants such as hazardous air pollutants (HAP) and volatile organic compounds (VOC). These pollutants can contribute to health problems that may affect homeowners, their families, and the community.
- VOC can produce ozone, which may cause respiratory problems for those with cardiac or respiratory diseases. Chemicals in these substances can also react in the air to form ground-level ozone (smog), which has been linked to a number of respiratory effects. EPA has developed a Web site related to ground-level ozone.
- Benzene
- Exposure to benzene may cause irritation of the skin, eyes, and upper respiratory tract as well as blisters due to dermal exposure.
- Long-term exposure to benzene may cause blood disorders, reproductive and developmental disorders, and cancer.
- EPA has collected extensive information on the health effects of exposure to benzene.
- When gasoline vapors collect in a closed environment such as a non-ventilated shed or garage, the potential for an explosion increases.
- Gas cans, also known as portable fuel containers (PFCs), are containers with a capacity of 10 gallons or less which are intended for reuse and are used primarily for receiving, transporting, storing, or dispensing fuel.
- People usually dispense gas from gas cans into equipment such as vehicles, boats, chainsaws, and lawn mowers.
How can I reduce emissions of gasoline vapors when using my gas can?
- Use Improved Gas Cans
- Consider buying an improved gasoline container that does not allow gasoline vapors to permeate through the plastic, does not contain secondary vent holes, and contains a spill-proof spout.
- An improved gasoline container will reduce the amount of exposure to gasoline vapors.
- Please note that some states may already require that retailers sell improved gas cans.
- Exercise Care When Dispensing Gasoline
- Avoid overfilling equipment.
- Avoid spills by fitting the container with a spout to allow pouring without spilling and to minimize the generation of vapors.
- Dispense gasoline in well-ventilated areas (preferably outside) away from children and animals.
- Fuel equipment on a hard surface such as concrete or asphalt.
- If spills do occur, use non-clumping kitty litter, saw dust, or an absorbant towel to soak of the spill. Be sure to properly dispose of the absorbent medium.
- Properly Store Gasoline
- Store gasoline only in Underwriter's Laboratory (UL)-approved containers (red for gasoline).
- Make sure that the container is child proof.
- Store gasoline in a well-ventilated garage or shed.
- Keep the storage place for gasoline cool and dry.
- Do not store gasoline in a basement because gasoline vapors will collect in the room.
- Store gasoline at ground level to avoid the danger of the container falling or spilling.
- Do not store gasoline in the trunk of a car, as there is a threat of explosion from heat and impact.
- Do not store gasoline in engines for more than a month, as this may cause the gasoline to become contaminated and necessitate its disposal as a hazardous waste.
- Learn how to properly winterize your lawn mower.
- The National Fire Protection Association
has made information available about how to avoid fires when using gasoline and what to do if a gasoline fire does start. - Learn more about handling gasoline.
Why should I replace my old gas can with an improved gas can?
- Improved gas cans reduce gasoline vapor emissions, which are a major contributor to ground-level ozone (smog).
- Improved gas cans also save fuel. As as much as one fifth of the gasoline in an old gas can may be lost to evaporation.
- Improved gas containers may also contain the following features:
- An automatic shut-off that stops the fuel flow before the receiving fuel tank overflows.
- An automatic closure and sealing when removed from the fuel tank. The gas can also remains closed when not dispensing fuel.
- Only one opening for both filling and pouring.
- Specific flow rates and fill level requirements, depending on the size of the gas can.
- Made of material that does not allow gasoline vapors to permeate through the material at a rate greater than 0.4 grams per gallon per day.
- A warranty by the manufacturer for at least one year against defects in materials and workmanship.
- Improved gas cans can protect children from exposure to gasoline by being child-safe.
- Learn more about improved gas cans.
- Some states are already requiring that retailers sell only improved gas containers.
- The California Air Resources Board has estimated that the regulations they have adopted will reduce reactive organic gas emissions by 73%.