Hi

Sorry to post here if wrong group but I am after some answers to a couple of
questions and I have been pointed in this direction!

I have just moved into a rented property (23/07) and the downstairs wc
appears to be having some difficulties. In the mornings, there is a
dreadful chemical stench which seems to go after a little while (or we get
used to it - not sure which!). The landlord was informed of this problem,
initially 4 weeks ago and a few more times since, but is not forthcoming
with either any answers or repairs.

The wc is vented appropriately (it is in the middle of the house and there
is an extractor fan in there), the smell appears to be there in the
mornings, regardless of whether the door is open or not which leads me to
believe that we become accustomed to the smell after a short while rather
than it dissipating, the smell is a definite chemical smell rather than an
'organic waste(!)' smell but cannot be described further. The soil stack in
the toilet is about 5 inches higher than the cistern (so about 3.5ft-ish
total) and I believe it to be fitted with an aav or durgo valve, but cannot
confirm.

My questions a

a) what is causing this smell?
b) is it harmful (we have 3 children aged 7,5 and 3 as well as my husband
and myself)
c) what can I do to fix it?

Many thanks in advance for your help/advice!

Clare