Odor masking occurs when:

Odor masking occurs when other odors are stronger than the mercaptan odorant that is added to natural gas as a safety feature to help detect leaks. Mercaptan has a distinct and pungent smell, often compared to that of rotten eggs. However, if there are other, more overpowering odors present in the environment, they can mask the smell of mercaptan, making it difficult for individuals to detect the presence of gas. This can lead to potentially dangerous situations since the primary purpose of adding mercaptan is to ensure that gas leaks are easily detectable.

In scenarios with high levels of ventilation or when mercaptan concentration is altered, the effectiveness of odor detection can also be impacted, but the primary factor in odor masking is the presence of other stronger odors in the vicinity. Understanding this concept is crucial for maintaining safety when working with or around gas piping systems.