Vapor Intrusion Assessment and Mitigation Services

What is Vapor Intrusion?

Vapor intrusion is the migration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) under or near living and/or working spaces. These hazardous substances can migrate through soil or in groundwater and may form gases (i.e., chemical vapors) that accumulate under and against structures. In certain conditions, the vapors can enter structures through cracks and gaps in basement floors, walls and openings from utilities and sump pits.

How vapor intrusion migrates through soil

Why is Vapor Intrusion Investigation Important?

If you own or occupy a property in an area where VOCs have entered either the soil or groundwater, there is a potential for the chemicals to travel as vapors into your home or business. Many chemical vapors are dangerous because they are nearly impossible to detect without the use of specialized sampling equipment. The environmental professionals at Hyde have the tools and experience needed to test for chemical vapors in the soil and/or groundwater in your home or business. Hyde has completed vapor intrusion assessments on industrial facilities, and residential, commercial, and undeveloped properties in the Midwest.

Ways to Test/ Investigate Vapor Intrusion

Groundwater Sampling
Soil Sampling
Soil-Gas Sampling
Indoor Air Sampling

Vapor Intrusions: Short-Term vs Long-Term Health Effects

High concentrations of VOC vapors in enclosed areas can lead to long-term health problems. Whether or not a person experiences adverse health effects depends on several factors, including the duration of exposure, concentration of the substance, the toxicity of the chemical, location of the vapor within the living or workspace, and the individual’s sensitivity to the chemical. Case severity varies, depending on the vapor which is entering the living space. Some vapors are easily detected due to their distinct odor, like petroleum, while other VOCs, such as vinyl chloride, exhibit a mild, sweet odor but are acutely toxic.

Regulations and Standards

The Phase I ESA standard (ASTM E1527-21) requires that vapor impacts be assessed when completing site investigations, and these impacts are typically investigated further during Phase II environmental site assessments. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published an OSWER Draft Guidance, as a recommended framework for assessing vapor intrusion, that relies upon collecting and evaluating multiple lines of evidence to support risk management decisions pertaining to vapor intrusion.

Furthermore, several Midwest states (Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio, etc.) require that the vapor intrusion pathway is evaluated like the soil and groundwater pathways for sites where environmental contamination or suspected contamination is present.