Has it ever crossed your mind to invest in a quality system specifically for toxic gas detection in San Jose, CA? Though most commercial and industrial business buildings should install such systems, those built on top of repurposed landfill sites are more at risk of toxic gas exposure. Let’s take a look at what landfill gas is, and review the most common hazardous gases that are produced.
What is landfill gas?
When we refer to “landfill gas,” we are not talking about one particular type of gas. In fact, landfill gas contains a number of different gases (like methane and carbon dioxide) that are produced over time when organic waste is broken down with the help of bacteria in the soil.
There are several factors that come into play in the making of landfill gas, as well as the amount produced. The age of the landfill, the type of waste that was dumped, the temperature and the oxygen and moisture content are all a part of gas production. In addition, although a production of gas typically peaks between five and 10 years, a used or unused landfill can potentially produce gas for more than 50 years.
The toxic gases that emanate from reused landfill soil can easily move through all sorts of soil density, not to mention that old, undesirable garbage odors are also still present. Unfortunately, although previous landfill sites are covered over with more dirt and other materials that are good for new construction surfaces, these gases can still move through the soil and settle inside buildings and linger in the air. This can put you at risk for exposure to hazardous gases, since they are liable to accumulate in structures that are built directly on top of old landfills.
Common hazardous gases
If you are planning on a new building construction over a repurposed landfill site, or are already doing business on top of one, then you need to be aware of the most common hazardous gases that are likely coming up from the soil. Contact the pros at MDC Systems Inc. to learn more about the proper way to follow through on toxic gas detection in San Jose, CA:
- Methane: First and foremost, it’s important to know that methane is flammable and can be explosive indoors at high concentrations. This happens more often when methane gas gets trapped in closed off areas inside buildings, such as basements, attics and crawlspaces.
- Carbon dioxide: Like methane, this natural gas is odorless and tasteless. Both gases will displace oxygen in enclosed spaces, which can be deadly not because of the gases themselves, but because there is so little available oxygen to breathe.
- Ammonia and hydrogen sulfide: Ammonia and hydrogen sulfide are responsible for a lot of the odors found in landfills. But when introduced to the inside of buildings, the combination can cause unpleasant side effects, including headaches, coughing, nausea, eye irritation and breathing difficulties.
At MDC Systems Inc., we offer the systems your commercial building needs to ensure that your workers stay healthy and products are safe for consumers. Contact us to discuss the best system for toxic gas detection in San Jose, CA for your business.