Vapor Intrusion and Indoor Air Quality
Vapor intrusion is the migration of volatile chemicals from the subsurface into overlying structures. Generally, this occurs when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that have been released to soils and groundwater volatilize and migrate through the soil and along preferential pathways, eventually finding their way through building foundations and into the
interior airspaces. The resulting vapor intrusion has the potential to cause acute and/or chronic health problems. For example, indoor air quality is a primary concern with regard to licensing daycare and senior housing facilities in New Jersey.
A typical vapor intrusion scenario might start with the release of a VOC from an industrial facility or petroleum product from a storage tank to underlying soils. As the contaminant migrates through soil and groundwater, vapors move upward toward the ground surface, potentially passing through building foundations and contaminating indoor air. The collection and analysis of subsurface soil vapor samples and indoor air samples, in conjunction with analytical modeling provides information as to whether or not a dangerous vapor intrusion problem exists. Interim remedial measures (mitigation) can be taken to immediately reduce vapor intrusion while a permanent system is designed and installed, or while the contaminant source is being remediated.
Some typical contaminants and potential sources are listed below.
Contaminants: Tetrachloroethylene (PCE, or Perc.), Trichloroethylene (TCE), MTBE
Sources: Dry cleaning operations, degreasing operations, gas stations and fuel storage facilities.
LIST OF SERVICES
- Emergency Response
- Mitigation
- Sub-slab Depressurization Systems (SSDSs)
- Initial Assessment and Investigation
- Sampling and Testing of Soil Gas and Indoor Air
- Design, Construction and Operation of Remediation Systems
- Day Care Licensing Environmental Assessments – New Jersey
- IEHP License – New Jersey
- Mold Identification Services
