Vapor intrusion mitigation protects a structure from vapors produced by subsurface chemical contamination in the ground below. It shields your occupants’ health. Vapor intrusion occurs when chemicals in soil or groundwater migrate out of the ground to contaminate indoor air in a structure above. These vapors may include:

 

 

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

• Semi-volatile organic compounds

• Inorganics, such as mercury or hydrogen sulfide

• Methane

• Radon

 

 

Typically, vapors enter a structure by way of its foundation, through cracks from settling, gaps around plumbing and utility lines, or even through the pores of the concrete itself. Vapor intrusion poses a risk for anyone breathing the contaminated air. Health risks can be immediate or long-term depending on the chemicals, the vapor concentration, the amount of ventilation, and how much time people are exposed. In rare cases, vapor buildup from chemicals such as gasoline can create a risk of explosion. Because of these dangers, vapor intrusion is a significant environmental issue that has become a matter of concern for regulators as well as real estate developers, insurance carriers, building owners, and structure occupants and residents.