What happens if vapor intrusion is suspected?
Anytime volatile organic chemicals are in soil or groundwater, there could be vapor intrusion into nearby buildings. If there is contamination from a spill or leak at a gas station, dry cleaner or other industrial plant, the possibility that vapor intrusion is occurring should be investigated. NJDEP has published guidance on how to conduct vapor intrusion studies. Studies begin by collecting soil, groundwater and soil gas samples to look for the presence and levels of chemicals. If chemicals are present in soils or groundwater above certain levels near buildings, samples of soil gas beneath the slab or samples of indoor air will be collected. Indoor air samples are typically collected over 24 hours using specialized canisters. After the air sample is collected, it is brought to the laboratory for analysis. Many factors affect vapor intrusion, such as weather, time of year, type of building construction, and ventilation. Indoor air sample data can be difficult to interpret. Indoor air q
