When vapors intrude...

Vapor intrusion (VI) is the migration of gas-phase chemicals from the subsurface into buildings or other structures. It is one of the exposure pathways that should be considered when performing a site human health risk assessment and can be an important issue at sites with subsurface contamination due to petroleum fuels or chlorinated solvents.

This article provides a “big picture” overview for environmental professionals with responsibility for addressing VI at one or more sites, with seven key questions that should be considered.

1. WHEN IS EMERGENCY RESPONSE NECESSARY?
2. WHAT AGENCY HAS OVERSIGHT RESPONSIBILITY?
3. WHICH GUIDANCE APPLIES?
4. WHAT LEVEL OF EXPOSURE IS ACCEPTABLE?
5. WHAT INFORMATION IS ALREADY AVAILABLE?
6. WHAT INFORMATION IS NEEDED?
7. WHAT TYPE OF EXPERTISE IS NEEDED?