How does landfill gas enter buildings and homes?
Gases migrating from a landfill may eventually reach buildings and homes. Foundation cracks and gaps, pressure differences between the inside and outside of the building or home, mechanical ventilation systems, and leakage areas (e.g., utility entry points, construction joints, or floor drain systems) provides entry points for gases. Buildings and houses with basements generally provide the most easy access for gases migrating in the soil. The amount of gases let into a building or home depends on a number of factors, including the construction and maintenance practices. The gas concentration in indoor air also depends on the building or home design, the rate of air exchange, and the distance of the building or home from the landfill. Chapter Three provides more information about how people are exposed to gases once the gases have entered buildings or homes. What types of landfills might be found in communities? Your community may have different types of landfills within it or nearby:
