Method and apparatus for controlling fecal odors

A ventilation system for a latrine, wherein the latrine defines a user space having at least one toilet and a vent configured to draw fresh air into the user space, and wherein the latrine comprises at least one waste receiving conduit in fluid communication with the at least one toilet and a waste holding chamber, wherein the waste holding chamber is configured to receive and store waste from the at least one toilet, wherein the ventilation system comprises:

• (a) a first conduit having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is in fluid communication with the waste holding chamber;
• (b) a flameless heater in fluid communication with the second end of the first conduit and configured to perform an oxidation reaction on odorous air to produce deodorized air;
• (c) at least one fan positioned within the first conduit between the waste holding chamber and the flameless heater, wherein the at least one fan is configured to draw in the odorous air from the waste holding chamber, the at least one toilet, and the user space, wherein the at least one fan is configured to direct the odorous air to the flameless heater;
• and
• (d) a second conduit in fluid communication with the flameless heater and configured to receive deodorized air from the flameless heater and emit the deodorized air.

A latrine comprising:

• (a) a toilet located in a housing defining an enclosed user space;
• (b) a vent configured to direct fresh air into the user space;
• (c) a waste holding chamber having a first opening and a second opening, the waste holding chamber is in fluid communication with the toilet at the first opening;
• (d) a first conduit attached to the second opening of the waste holding chamber;
• (e) a flameless heater located outside of the housing and in fluid communication with the first conduit, wherein the flameless heater is configured to perform an oxidation reaction on odorous air to produce deodorized air;
• (f) at least one fan positioned within the first conduit between the waste holding chamber and the flameless heater, wherein the at least one fan is configured to draw the odorous air from the waste holding chamber, the toilet, and the user space and direct the odorous air to the flameless heater;
• and
• (e) a second conduit in fluid communication with the flameless heater, wherein the second conduit is configured to receive deodorized air from the flameless heater and emit the deodorized air.