Vapor Intrusion

Did you know...

Volatile chemicals in the soil and groundwater can volatilize and migrate upward and penetrate building foundations and slabs as vapors. These intrusive vapors can accumulate inside the building to potentially harmful concentrations.

The chemicals don't have to have originated on the site you are looking to purchase/lease. A nearby site could be the culprit. Furthermore, the contaminated site may have already been "cleaned-up," but still may present a problem.

Due to concerns about vapor intrusion into nearby buildings, a number of states have "re-opened" previously "closed" sites where clean-up has already been completed. Futhermore, a number of property owners have been sued for not properly addressing this pathway.

What should you do?
Evaluate this pathway before you purchase property near contaminated, previously "cleaned-up" properties.

• Identifying the potential for vapor intrusion through Phase II Environmental Assessments, which including soil, groundwater, and soil gas sampling.

• Conducting site-specific vapor intrusion assessments using computer modeling techniques to evaluate specific toxic harm risk and advise whether mitigation measures should be considered.

• Preparing designs for vapor intrusion mitigation systems.

• Conduct site monitoring to evaluate the effectiveness of installed vapor intrusion mitigation systems.

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