Anyone who has been around sewers or septic systems knows that the air around waste can be downright nauseating. Though the strong smell associated with sewer systems is no surprise, you might not know exactly what kinds of negative impacts the presence of sewer gas can have. While you might not be able to completely prevent exposure to sewer gas, there are things that you can do to significantly reduce your risk—especially in and around your home or business. It’s important that you know the causes of and risks associated with sewer gas.
What is sewer gas?
The substance that is commonly referred to as sewer gas is actually hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide is created as a byproduct of the breakdown of waste material. You can’t see sewer gas, but you can definitely recognize the putrid odor that comes with it! Sewer gas smells similar to rotten eggs, and it can be produced by a number of different processes. Manufacturing, oil refining and other industrial processes can all cause hydrogen sulfide to be produced. This gas can lead to a number of health and safety concerns, so it’s important that you know what to do if you ever encounter it.
The main concern when it comes to sewer gas is inhalation. Breathing in hydrogen sulfide puts you at risk of being negatively affected by the gas and experiencing health issues. You might be exposed to hydrogen sulfide at any time, and virtually anywhere. You can even become exposed to this gas right in your own home or business. In small amounts, sewer gas can cause minor irritation of the eyes and skin, as well as sore throat and coughing.
When you are exposed to sewer gas in a low concentration on a single occasion, any symptoms of exposure will likely disappear relatively soon after coming into contact with the gas. Long-term exposure can cause more severe symptoms like dizziness, nausea, fatigue and other cognitive issues. At very high levels, sewer gas can be deadly. Thankfully, there are things that you can do to reduce your exposure to sewer gas.
Preventing hydrogen sulfide exposure
The best way to prevent dangerous exposure to hydrogen sulfide is by ensuring that all of your plumbing and pipes are properly cared for and maintained. If you smell sewer gas, it might be a good time to contact a company that specializes in sanitation and septic cleanup in Bethel, OH. They will know how to control the source of the gas and mitigate exposure.
Nobody wants to deal with the health concerns and repugnant odor associated with hydrogen sulfide, and that’s why the team at Gullett Sanitation Services Inc. is here to help. For decades, we have been providing a wide variety of sanitation services, including septic cleanup in Bethel, OH. We pride ourselves on our commitment to quality work and outstanding customer service. We would be happy to assist you with your sanitation needs—just give us a call today to learn more about what our team can do for you!