coal gas

coal gas

(kōl gas)

A synthetic gas produced from coal and used for heating and in the production of methanol and ammonia; contains carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen; can cause death through asphyxiation as well as fire and explosion.

coal gas

A flammable, explosive, toxic gas produced from the distillation of coal. It is used for heating and lighting. Its principal constituents are methane, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen.

See also: gas

coal gas

a cause of poisoning where coal gas is still used because of its carbon monoxide content. Other heating gases are less poisonous and produce carbon monoxide only if they are burned in an inadequate oxygen supply. See also carbon monoxide.