ABSTRACT
A vapor intrusion investigation consists of three steps: the pre-sampling survey; sample collection; and sample analysis. The objective of the pre-sampling survey is to identify the potential for background contamination caused by chemicals inside the building creating false positive readings during sampling and analysis. Three types of samples are collected during the sampling phase of the vapor intrusion investigation: indoor air samples, sub-slab soil vapor samples, and ambient samples. Permanent solutions for the mitigation of vapor intrusion conditions entails two procedures—sealing the foundation, and channeling vapors that have accumulated beneath the building slab. Liquid vapor barriers can accommodate new construction as well as some existing structures. Most liquid vapor barriers are emulations that are applied to a foundation. Once hardened, they provide a continuous barrier that is engineered not to crack or otherwise degrade over time.
