Answer:

Structural formula for methane is CH4

Explanation:

Methane Gas (CH4)

Methane is a colorless, odorless gas that contains no simple indicator of its presence until explosive
limits are reached and an irreversible incident occurs. Because methane can be highly hazardous to
human health, it is vital that traces of of methane are identified prior to commencing work on-site.

As history has proven, uncontrolled ground gas migrations of methane and failure to pinpoint its origin
has led to unforeseen explosions resulting in ground heating and fatal injuries to personnel.

Although relatively non-toxic in nature, methane gas is extremely flammable and is an asphyxiant; a high
concentration of methane can displace the amount of available oxygen in the lungs and cause
permanent damage to the brain and heart organs.

What's that Smell? Methane

Methane (CH4) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, flammable gas that is widely distributed in nature.
Methane Gas is produced whenever organic material is decomposed by bacterial action in the absence
of oxygen. The atmosphere contains about 2.2 ppm by volume of Methane.

Methane Toxicity: Fire/Explosion Risk

Methane gas is relatively non-toxic; it does not have an OSHA PEL Standard. Its health affects are
associated with being a simple asphyxiant displacing oxygen in the lungs. Miners previously placed
canaries in deep mines to check methane gas levels. Reportedly, canaries keeled over at about 16%
oxygen indicating it was time to leave.

Methane is extremely flammable and can explode at concentrations between 5% (lower explosive
limit) and 15% (upper explosive limit). These concentrations are much lower than the concentrations at
which asphyxiant risk is significant. Reportedly, the most violent methane explosions occur at
concentrations of about 9%; coal mines are hence kept well ventilated (pumped with fresh air) to
maintain methane levels at or below 1%.