Beware Leaking Sewer Gases
I found the following Q&A from Dr. Weil interesting. Leaky sewer gases are something one definitely wants to be cautious of and remedy immediately.
I personally knew a lady about 15 years ago that had the habit of lighting a match to eliminate the smell after going to the bathroom. As she was rising from the toilet one day, she went through her usual routine and struck the match. This time, KABOOM, a big flash of fire...enough to cause hospitalization with a severely burned butt.
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Q. What are the health risks of prolonged exposure to sewer gas?
Today's Answer
(Published 11/21/2003)
Sewer gas is a mixture of gases formed during the decomposition of household or industrial wastes. These include hydrogen sulfide, ammonia and methane(which are highly toxic), as well as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
Exposure to sewer gas can happen at home if it seeps in via a floor drain or a leaking or blocked plumbing vent on the roof or even through cracks in a building’s foundation. Sewer gas tends to accumulate in basements, but can mix with all the air in a house. Individuals who work in sanitation industries or on farms might be exposed on the job if they clean or maintain municipal sewers, manure storage tanks or home septic tanks.
Sewer gas often has a “rotten eggs” smell, which comes from the hydrogen sulfide it contains. Exposure to low levels of this toxic chemical can irritate the eyes, cause a cough or sore throat, shortness of breath and fluid accumulation in the lungs. Prolonged low-level exposure may cause fatigue, loss of appetite, headaches, irritability, poor memory and dizziness. High concentrations of hydrogen sulfide can interfere with the sense of smell so you don’t sense the “rotten eggs” smell that warns of its presence. At very high concentrations, hydrogen sulfide can cause loss of consciousness and death.
The other toxic component of sewer gas is methane, which interferes with the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood and can cause suffocation and death when you inhale high concentrations. Exposure to low levels causes headache, nausea and drowsiness.
If you suspect that sewer gas is leaking into your home, contact your local public health department. Try to get an inspection. Alternatively, you can call in a plumber to find and repair a leak. Because sewer gas is highly flammable, don’t take any chances. If the smell is strong, call the fire department, avoid striking matches or using appliances that produce flames, and get your family out of the building.
Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D.
I guess the aftermath of a "Chili Cookoff" isn't to good for your health either.
Hi friends of the atmosphere. Want to breath good air? I agree so do I.
To locate sewer gas I merely follow my nose pretty hard to ignore. No I do not light matches or even use a lighter I use a flashlight and most causes out here in LaLa land are caused by improper venting, thats the pipe that is suposed to vent any gases up to the sky and at the same time supply air so that the water in the toilet will swirl and go down the waste line. This is an easy repair you merely insert another piece of pipe to replace the one that is leaking.
Sometimes you get it around a toilet cause the wax ring inside is no longer at effect and sometimes the cheaper toilets made in the wilds of Mexico have an improper weir, thats the little curve which is suposed to be full of water to keep the gases down where they belong. Thats about it of course I have been involved in others.
Just follow your nose it will lead you straight to the source. Oh yes, sometimes some idiot will drive a tractor or a SUV onto your lawn and crack the waste line running along on its way to the sewer in the street. All you do is dig and expose the pipe and when you see the crack or smashed portion you borrow what is called a Chain snapper. Loop it around the broken pipe tighten the chain and pull the little handle there will be a cracking sound. Do it at the other end of the pipe and then get another pipe and cut it to the same size and fit it in. You put the little rubber looking attachments on both ends and join the mess altogether. Then if still at function put the dirt back in and pat it down. Gr***** is optional.
Thats about it. No it is not addictive.
Cheers Lucius
Can anyone tell me if they have heard of a meathod of testing for leaking sewer gasses? A kit perhaps? Thank you.
JD
Yeah. Light a match.
Dear Dr. Weil,
thank you for your article it was most informative.
As a child raised in the art of plumbing I have been exposed to sewer gas for many years and the only relly visable and long lasting effect that I have noticed is bad breath.
Sincerely, Lucius