A septic tank, typically underground, in which sewage is collected and allowed to decompose through bacterial activity before draining by means of a soakaway. In most houses , septic tank and soakaway are constructed together.

The septic tank contains harmful gaeses called sewer gas, which are produced from decomposed compounds in the tank such as faeces or any other substance flushed.
But most individuals, allow their tank to get full, before cleaning it out or alerting the waste disposal system. And in some cases constructed poorly letting out the gases.


These gases then escape through the vent in the pipe constructed with the septic tank. These gases contain hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen, and hydrogen.The hydrogen sulphide gives out the rotten egg smell , when inhaled poses some danger to the human body.

Being exposed to low levels of this chemical can cause irritation of the eyes, induce a cough or sore throat, shortness of breath can also occur, and fluid accumulation in the lungs.

Prolonged low-level exposure may cause fatigue, pneumonia, loss of appetite, headaches, irritability, poor memory, and dizziness.

High concentrations of hydrogen sulfide (>150 ppm) can produce olfactory fatigue, whereby the scent becomes undetectable.

At higher concentrations (>300 ppm), hydrogen sulfide can cause loss of consciousness and death. Very high concentrations (>1000 ppm) can result in immediate collapse, occurring after a single breath.

What can I do to keep odors out of the house?

The best answer is to fix the problem with the plumbing system or have it drained in time. In any case, an experienced plumber will be able to find the shortcomings of the system and offer suggestions on how to correct them on an individual basis.

http://www.healththismoment.com/2017/05/health-hazards-of-breathing-in-sewer-gas.html?m=1

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