What health concerns are related to vapor intrusion?
The health risks associated with vapor intrusion vary based on the type of chemicals, the levels of the chemical found, the length of exposure and the health of the exposed individuals. At high concentrations some temporary symptoms may include eye and respiratory irritation, headaches and nausea. Over many years, low-level exposures to certain chemicals may raise the lifetime risk of some cancers or chronic diseases. Q: How does EPA test for vapor intrusion? A: EPA uses several testing methods, either separately or in combination with one another. Soil and ground water samples near a contaminated site are used to evaluate whether or not there is the potential for vapor intrusion. Further tests take place where vapor intrusion appears to be a possibility. Summa canisters can be used to collect samples of ambient (outdoor) air, indoor air or air from beneath the foundation of a building. Tests of the air underneath foundations are called subslab samples.EPA’s Trace Atmospheric Gas Analy
