We
have recently moved into a new home where we are required to have a
grinder pump. All waste from our house goes into this holding
container, and once it reaches a certain level, the waste is pumped up
our front yard to the city sewer system.
We have
large amounts of sewer gas back up through our master bath and laundry
room drains. The smell is almost more than we can handle—but the
smell is actually the least of our worries.
I am newly
pregnant and very concerned about the effects of breathing this “sewer
or methane gas” on the development of our unborn child. Could you
please provide information on the potential harmful human effects of
exposure to this type of gas on a developing fetus?-
Debbie – North Carolina
Sewer gases primarily consist of
methane, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Of these H2S
is probably the most toxic. However, concentrations of H2S
are relatively low compared to methane and ammonia and are unlikely to
have any adverse effects on a healthy adult or developing fetus.
Ammonia, though highly irritating, reacts rapidly with the mucous
membranes of the eyes, nose and throat and is unlikely to result in
significant fetal exposure. Methane occurs at the highest level in
sewer gases. It is relatively non-toxic, that is exposure levels need
to be relatively high to result in a health concern for either adults or
developing infants. It is doubtful that sewer exposures in one’s home
pose a health risk to your developing baby.
The sewer gas problem in your master
bath and laundry should in theory not be related to the holding
container for your grinder pump. Typically sewer gas problems result
when drain traps are dry, no drain traps have been installed, or leakage
from sewer gas vents.
I suspect that the sewer gas vents in
your new home were not properly installed. The fact that your home is
new is the primary clue. It is not an uncommon “contractor’s mistake”.
Recommend that you contact the plumbing contractor that worked on your
house.
February 28, 2002
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