When is a Vapor Intrusion Assessment necessary?

A Vapor Intrusion Assessment is essential when volatile compounds are present in groundwater or soil that have the potential to migrate into buildings and adversely impact indoor air quality. This assessment is particularly necessary in areas where these volatile organic compounds (VOCs) could vaporize and enter the indoor environment, posing health risks to occupants. Understanding the potential for vapor intrusion helps in implementing remediation measures to protect human health and ensure safe living conditions.

In contrast, the presence of solid waste on the property or a focus on structural integrity does not directly address issues related to vapor intrusion. Similarly, historical land use indicating purely agricultural activity does not automatically necessitate an assessment unless there are potential contaminants linked to the past uses, such as pesticides or herbicides that could lead to vapor issues. Therefore, the identification of volatile organic compounds in the groundwater is crucial for determining the need for a Vapor Intrusion Assessment.