Mid-Atlantic Building Experts Resolve Vapor Intrusion Problems

April 25, 2011 - PRLog -- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a Notice of Opportunity for Public Input in January.  The notice solicited input about whether to include a vapor intrusion component to the Hazard Ranking System (HRS).  Since then they have held “listening sessions” on the topic.

The release stated, “The HRS is the principal mechanism EPA uses to place sites on the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) National Priorities List (NPL). This potential addition would allow the HRS to directly consider the human exposure to contaminants that enter building structures through the subsurface environment and thus, enabling sites with vapor intrusion contamination to be evaluated for placement on the NPL. EPA is accepting public feedback on specific topics related to the potential HRS revision, and will consider information gathered during this comment period, as well as input from three public listening sessions before making a decision on whether to issue a proposed rulemaking to add a vapor intrusion component to the HRS.”  Comments on the EPA’s efforts to finalize vapor intrusion guidance are due by May 14th.

Sussex Environmental Health Consultants, LLC (SEHC) is an environmental, health and safety consulting firm located in Delaware that has an extensive history of investigating vapor intrusion and indoor air quality (IAQ) issues across the Mid-Atlantic region.  “Vapor intrusion is often defined as a gaseous substance emanating from petroleum products or chemicals,” stated Susan White, Ph.D., CMC, President of SEHC.    “These gases seep through cracks in foundations or sewer lines and enter buildings.  The length of exposure to the chemicals and the overall health of those being exposed are all factors that determine how building occupants will react.  Exposures can range from minor irritations, like headaches or nausea, to more significant problems including chronic disease.  In extreme cases prolonged exposure could even result in death,” she continued.  

To learn more about SEHC’s vapor intrusion, environmental, IAQ or health and safety services, please visit http://www.sussexenvironmental.com, email susan.white@mchsi.com or call (302) 947-1810.

# # #

About Sussex Environmental Health Consultants, LLC
SEHC is a certified woman owned business that provides environmental and health and safety consulting services. The company is located in the Mid-Atlantic and services clients nationwide. SEHC provides solutions to clients ranging from homeowners to international Fortune 500 corporations.