Vapor Intrusion and Indoor Air Testing

Indoor Air Testing

As part of its investigation, the EPA conducts no-cost vapor intrusion testing for properties within the Meeker Ave. Plume Site. 

• Testing as well as installation and maintenance of mitigation systems is free.

• If the EPA tests a property and finds that there is vapor intrusion, the agency may seal cracks in the foundation and/or install a vapor intrusion mitigation system at no cost to property owners. 

• The only cost incurred by property owners is the cost of electricity needed to run the system. Using ConEd rates for Brooklyn, the agency estimates this cost to be $47 a month.

• Testing is typically only done during the winter months, because "worst-case conditions" where windows are closed, and heating systems create pressure differentials, make for the best and most thorough for testing.

The EPA generally cannot test properties without landowners’ permission. Tenants interested in testing should still reach out to the EPA to learn about their options. Don’t have the best relationship with your landlord? The EPA can contact them on your behalf without disclosing your information.

Contact the EPA project staff for more information and to sign up for testing.

What is Vapor Intrusion?

(From EPA)

Vapor intrusion occurs when there is a migration of vapor-forming chemicals from any subsurface source into an overlying building. Recognition of soil vapor intrusion to buildings and other enclosed spaces occurred in the 1980s with concerns over radon intrusion. Subsequently, there was an increasing awareness that anthropogenic chemicals (e.g., petroleum hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents) in soil, groundwater, and sewers and drainlines could also pose threats to indoor air quality via the vapor intrusion pathway.

Vapor-forming chemicals may include:

• volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as trichloroethylene and benzene.

• select semivolatile organic compounds, such as naphthalene.

• elemental mercury.

• some polychlorinated biphenyls and pesticides.

(The contaminants of concern for the Meeker Avenue Plume site are VOCs: tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE), as well as cis-1,2-dichloroethylene (DCE), and vinyl chloride)

In extreme cases, the vapors may accumulate in dwellings or occupied buildings to levels that may pose:

• near-term safety hazards (e.g., explosion)

• acute health effects

(Read about the potential health risks due to exposure) 

In buildings with lower concentrations of vapor-forming chemicals arising from vapor intrusion, the main concern is whether the chemicals may pose an unacceptable risk of health effects due to long-term (i.e., chronic) exposure to these lower levels.

A complicating factor in evaluating the potential chronic risk from vapor intrusion is the potential presence of some of the same chemicals from emission sources in the building

• household solvents

• gasoline

• cleaners

that may pose, separately or in combination with vapor intrusion, a significant human health risk.

Migration of Soil Vapors to Indoor Air

This figure depicts the migration of vapors in soil gas from contaminated soil and groundwater into buildings. Vapors in soil gas are shown to enter buildings through cracks in the foundation and openings for utility lines. Atmospheric conditions and building ventilation are shown to influence soil gas intrusion.