Hydrogen safety

Hydrogen is a basic chemical element with tremendous potential as a source of energy. When oxidized, its only by-products are heat (thermal energy) and pure water.

At room temperature, hydrogen exists in a gaseous state. It is handled in a similar fashion to natural gas. And, since hydrogen has long been a component of the petroleum refining process, and is being used more and more frequently as a fuel, techniques for the safe handling and storage of hydrogen are well established.

Like other common gaseous fuels, such as natural gas, hydrogen is only combustible in the presence of oxygen. It cannot burn when contained by itself in a tank or a pipeline. Hydrogen also has certain properties that make it advantageous with respect to safety. For example, it is non-toxic - harmless to people and the environment. It is also the lightest element on earth, twice as light as helium. Thus, if released into the air, it disperses very quickly, reducing the potential for accumulation and unwanted or accidental combustion.