What is it?
Vapor intrusion (VI) is the migration of volatile chemicals from the subsurface into overlying buildings. VI can result in impacts of hundreds or even thousands of feet from the contamination source, greatly affecting off-site properties.
Factors of Concern
Low-level exposures of certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) over long time frames could increase the risk for cancer. Common industrial chemicals like chlorinated hydrocarbons (e.g., TCE, PCE and vinyl chloride) are considered carcinogenic. Methane and many petroleum VOCs are combustible.
VI was not well understood until mid-late 1990s. Traditional inhalation exposure pathways were associated with consumptive use of groundwater. As of 2010 more than 20 states have developed VI guidance or implemented VI programs.
Mitigation
The most common methods of mitigating VI are very similar to radon mitigation technologies and include: installation of barriers to prevent migration of vapors/gases into structures; passive venting of vapors; and depressurization systems that use fans to actively remove vapors accumulating beneath the building.
Read a newsletter article or view a recorded webinar on Vapor Intrusion.
Vapor intrusion (VI) is the migration of volatile chemicals from the subsurface into overlying buildings. VI can result in impacts of hundreds or even thousands of feet from the contamination source, greatly affecting off-site properties.
Factors of Concern
Low-level exposures of certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) over long time frames could increase the risk for cancer. Common industrial chemicals like chlorinated hydrocarbons (e.g., TCE, PCE and vinyl chloride) are considered carcinogenic. Methane and many petroleum VOCs are combustible.
VI was not well understood until mid-late 1990s. Traditional inhalation exposure pathways were associated with consumptive use of groundwater. As of 2010 more than 20 states have developed VI guidance or implemented VI programs.
Mitigation
The most common methods of mitigating VI are very similar to radon mitigation technologies and include: installation of barriers to prevent migration of vapors/gases into structures; passive venting of vapors; and depressurization systems that use fans to actively remove vapors accumulating beneath the building.
Read a newsletter article or view a recorded webinar on Vapor Intrusion.
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