How is vapor intrusion investigated?
Often, the interpretation of indoor air sampling results is complicated by volatile organic compounds that are normally present within the home or building. These volatile compounds can come from household products. Sometimes hobbies or other activities within the home or building also create indoor air problems. Since a variety of VOC sources are present in most homes and buildings, testing inside the home or building will not necessarily confirm that VOCs in the indoor air are from nearby VOC contamination. In most cases, the potential for vapor intrusion can be verified or ruled out by collecting soil gas samples or ground water samples near the contamination site. In some cases, it is necessary to sample immediately beneath the home or building or in the living space.
