Written by Steve Henshaw, P.G., President and CEO of EnviroForensics
As seen in the November 2008 issue of Western Cleaner & Launderer
What is It?
Vapor intrusion is the migration of volatile chemicals, primarily volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) from the subsurface into overlying buildings. Vapor intrusion requires three components: a source, an inhabited building, and a pathway from the source to the inhabitants.
Over the past few years, vapor intrusion has become a significant environmental issue, one that may have a direct impact on your dry cleaning operation. In fact, just last spring, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the association responsible for creating the procedures and standards for conducting due diligence for banks lending and financing on real property, has suggested that vapor intrusion issues be considered when loaning on real property. That is to say, is it likely that vapors are coming off of contaminated soil and groundwater that may migrate underneath buildings and enter basements, crawl spaces and confined spaces and rooms. Figure 1 is an example of a situation where vapors could enter a commercial or residential building. Continue reading “Vapor Intrusion – What is it and How Can it Effect Me?”