How Dangerous Is Natural Gas in Cars?
On One Hand: Safe as Regular CarsAccording to Consumer Reports, compressed natural gas vehicles are just as safe as regular cars (see ref 1). CNG fuel tanks are likely to survive common road dangers like car accidents and extreme heat. In addition, natural gas only ignites at concentrations between 5 and 15 percent–much higher than what is needed to ignite gasoline (see ref 2).On the Other: Possibly Safer Than Gasoline CarsCNG cars are potentially safer than gasoline-powered automobiles because natural gas evaporates if a leak occurs, while gasoline remains a fire hazard until you clean it up, according to Yahoo! Autos. In addition, natural gas releases almost no toxins, while gasoline emits toxic substances like benzene (see ref 3).Bottom LineNatural gas poses little threat when used as a vehicle and CNG vehicles are probably much safer because CNG gas tanks go through extreme testing. The Clean Vehicle Education Foundation claims that CNG tanks must withstand gun shots and fire befo
