Vapor Intrusion

Vapor intrusion occurs when hazardous chemicals from contaminated soil and groundwater seep into the indoor air of buildings and homes. The toxins diffuse upward, affecting air quality and posing safety risks to residents.

If you or your community may have been affected by environmental contamination, contact attorney Fidelma Fitzpatrick or Jonathan Orent  by email or call +1 800.768.4026.

Although indoor air quality has historically been overlooked in environmental investigations, vapor intrusion has become a growing concern for residents within or close to possible contamination sites, property owners and regulators.

The negative impact of vapor intrusion may include:

• poor indoor air quality
• diminished property value
• serious health complications or poisoning for residents
• risk of fire or explosion

How Vapor Intrusion Happens

Each case of vapor intrusion involves three elements:

• a source of contamination, typically groundwater contaminated by a chemical or toxin
• a building or residence
• a pathway from the source to indoor air inhaled by residents

Many toxins are odorless and thus difficult for residents to detect. The most common point of entry is through leaks in basements and wells.