Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1883-01-13
GASEOUS PoIsoNs.
An INTERESTING PAPsR PoR EVERY
HOUSEHOLDER 70 BEAD.
The Gaseous Poisons OF sewers and
sewage -cesspools-Traps and
their Dangers.

Prepared for the RECORD UsIos by John Eitel, |
chemist
The question is frequently asked,
"What is sewer gas ?" Some will tell
YOU it is sulphureted hydrogen (H2S)
combined with carbureted hydrogen. The
latter appears in two forms known as
,aetltdae, or "marsh gas CHA, where
one atom of carbon associates itself with
four atoms of hydrogen. The other is
known az ethdae, or olehant gas
{C2H4, where two atoms of carbon are
associated with four atoms of hydrogen.
Both of these gases are iuhsmmable, or
burn, and when mixed with oxygen are
highly explosive, and more or less with
atmospheric air. Many explosions in coal
mines are due partially to these gases, also
frequently in the sewers OF our cities,
where the gas is generated directly or in
directly, as by the leakage of Illuminating
gas. which contains both the forms of the
gases. Marsh gas, or light carbureted n.y.
drogen, is not considered poisonous when
Inhaled in small quantities, and has besn
inhaled in large quantities without very
serious results. Sulphureted hydrogen
tH2S) has one atom Of sulphur associated
with two atoms of hydrogen. This gas
can only arise when sulphur is present,
and produces most abominable smell.
The gas is
CONSIDERED POISONOUS
When inhaled in large quantities, but l
venture to state that the late prevailing
diseases were not due to it-at least not in
a pure state. In most of the chemical
laboratories of Europe there are constant
jewellers or occupiers. Sometimes the
family of the professor in charge, or one
OF his assistants, reside there. and are COM
PEELED to inhsle the gas at times, despite of
the building where it is generated and the
operations are carried out being generally
disconnected from the main buildings.
Then the students frequently inhale the
gas at all hours of the day, as the gas and
saturated liquids are absolutely necessary
in chemical laboratories. Notwithstand-
ing all this, the people do not become in
disposed from that source. The gas is,
however, frequent product of putrefac-
tion of organic matter, both animal and
vegetable. Ia the latter it is found in gar
lie, onions, horseradish and mustard, which,
If the gas is known to be present in
room, it may be instsntaneously destroyed
or neutraIizsd by small quantity of chlor-
inc gas. 1t is almost always present in
our Illuminating gas, and not desirable
companion, as gas producers well know.
When silver (unvarnished) is much exposed
in a room where gas is constantly burned,
it will gradually turn black. This also is
the case with lead, and upon this rests one
of the delicate tests for this gas. II, for
instance, small strip of filter or blotting
paper is saturated with solution of ace.
tate of lead (sugar of lead) and exposed to
the gas, it will, according to the quantity,
turn black in a certain time, more or less.
Having described the nature of these gases,
let US look TO
OUR cEssPooLS,
And what may take place when different
materials, as refuse, are introduced and shut
ND in them. In order to illustrate, take a
glass tube and blow bulb on one end, and
through the open end introduce different
materials of organic and inorganic nature.
Now heat the bulb with. its various con-
tents over spirit lamp, subjecting it to
gradual heat. The volatile and liquid
parts will be driven out, producing pecu-
liar odors, which will change according to
the heat applied. The gases also will be
driven off as the heat increases. This is
termed, when wood and similar substances
are used, destructive distillation, and if
the other end of the tube is drawn out to
a fine point the gas may be ignited, burn
ing like our Illuminating gas. If the same
substances are now placed upon platina
fa,1 ~ IN ha ndn rro-
duced will be quite different and far less
disagreeable and this is due to the oxygen
In which the material is consumed. 1t
makes therefore quite difference when
body is in contact with the air, or when
shut off; and this may be true of cesspools,
even if no direct heat is applied. Many
of the gases have great affinity for water or
liquids composed of water. 1t would not
be wise for milkman to expose his milk
to foul atmosphere, for the milk becomes
charged with it, and so will basins of water
placed in an i'll smelling room. Ii the water
is fully saturated it begins to smell i'll it.
self, poisoning the air and surroundings.
II, for instance you introduce sulphureted
hydrogen into water or ammonia, the
liquids will absorb il, but when fully sat
urated
THE GAS Is LIBERATED.
The same takes place if carbonic acid
gas (CO2) is made to pass into hydrate of
potash, and carbonate of potash tK2CO3)
is the result but as soon as it is filed, or
saturated, the gas escapes into the air, and
of course a large quantity in room
would cause injury if inhaled, as this gas
has no odor. From this judge your patent
I - Ill
straps they are traps-supposed TO
shut off your poison.producers built close
to your house. Just as soon, however, as
the water in those traps is fully saturated
with the gases in the cesspool, you will find
the gas rising from the water, and it will
undoubtedly find its way into your room
II there is no leakage in the pipes, it is
possible to keep the gas out during the
night, if you securely stop up the basin in
your room, and have it half filled with
water; but Just as soon as the water is
emptisd out, the gas is compelled to be
driven out and find its way into your
apartments. Those devices have been
known and used many years in the chemi.
cal laboratories of Europe before they were
patented in the United States, for the pur-
pose for which they are now used. They
are still used in the generation of gases as
satety-tubes and for the exclusion of the
atmosphere. Now your cesspool repre-
sents but larger vessel in connection with
the mentioned devices, but the same thing
will take place when gas or atmospheric
air is compressed. It is
wELL-KNowN FACT
That in low lying places, towards spring,
water finds its way to deep cellars and
other excavations, in which include the
denominations known as cssspools. The
water, OF course, finds ita way into the
receptacle from below, and as it gradually
rises congresses the noxious gases above
it, and what is the result when the press.