Vapour Intrusion Assessment

Providing science-based vapour intrusion solutions for contaminated sites across Canada

Vapour intrusion refers to the process by which volatile contaminants or vapours from a subsurface source, such as contaminated soil or groundwater, migrate into an overlying building(s).  Volatile contaminants may include chlorinated volatile organic compounds (cVOCs), petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs), and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX).  Vapour intrusion can be an important exposure pathway where people are exposed to elevated concentrations of volatile contaminants through the inhalation of these contaminants in indoor air.  If the vapour intrusion pathway is viable or complete, there may be the potential for risks and/or adverse effects to building occupants.

When is a vapour intrusion assessment required?

A vapour intrusion assessment is generally required when concentrations of volatile contaminants in soil and groundwater exceed the applicable health-based soil and groundwater guidelines or standards derived to be protective of the vapour intrusion pathway.

How Intrinsik can help

Intrinsik’s in depth knowledge of sub-slab vapour and indoor air health-based criteria, regulatory sampling expectations and vapour intrusion modelling capabilities allow us to determine the best vapour intrusion solutions for our clients.  Having offices across the country, Intrinsik’s environmental consultants offer vapour intrusion services across Canada.  Our assessment solutions are designed with flexibility in mind to meet our client’s needs and resources, offering multiple formats that range from high-level screening level assessments to detailed quantitative reports.

Our clients and partners include environmental consultants and engineering firms, property owners, developers, contractors, municipalities, lenders and lawyers.

Intrinsik’s vapour intrusion services

• Vapour intrusion assessments of the potential health risks posed by sub-surface contamination to occupants of residential, institutional and commercial buildings.
• Vapour intrusion modelling using “off the shelf” and proprietary models.
• Development of Sampling and Analysis Plans (SAPs) in accordance with Health Canada Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP), US EPA TO-15, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) or British Columbia vapour intrusion assessment guidance.
• Consulting services for proposed sub-slab vapour and indoor air sampling plans to be consistent with regional guidance and achieve regulatory compliance and approval.