A Primer On Vapor Intrusion
While exploring a website dedicated to indoor air quality, you might come across a term or two that is unfamiliar. One question that we get from time to time is “what is vapor intrusion?” Simply put, vapor intrusion is the entrance of volatile chemicals into your home (or another building) from contaminated soil or groundwater. These chemicals can include volatile organic compounds, as well as some inorganic substances such as radon, mercury, and hydrogen sulfide. This intrusion, in extreme cases, can lead to threats such as explosion, acute health effects, or simply unpleasant effects such as odors. Most chemical concentrations are low, however, but could still lead to chronic health effects due to long-term exposure.
The EPA has set up a page with more details, at: https://www.epa.gov/vaporintrusion/what-vapor-intrusion