Vapor Mitigation Systems in Homes and Residential StructuresThe EPA defines vapor intrusion as “the movement of chemical vapors from contaminated soil and groundwater into nearby buildings”. These toxic vapors can enter into a home through cracks in the foundation, gaps in the slab, the sump crock, and even through the pores of the concrete. After entering the home, these vapors can be inhaled causing both immediate and long term health effects. Before the soil and groundwater can be properly cleaned up, every home in the contaminated zone will need a vapor intrusion mitigation system to protect the health of its occupants. Vapor mitigation systems are designed to deter all rising vapors from the soil from entering into the home. There are a variety of different methods to mitigate a residential home for chemical vapors depending on the type of home, type of chemicals present, and the concentrations of said chemicals. The most common chemicals that cause vapor intrusion issues in residential homes are trichloroethylene (TCE), benzene, naphthalene, elemental mercury, perchloroethylene (PCE), and petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. These chemicals can be present in the soil from spills, and overuse from certain industries. Vapor intrusion issues inside of a home are not always obvious, as former contamination sites may be long gone since your home was built. Dry cleaners, metal and auto manufacturers, gas stations, and other industries that use products containing VOC’s, all have the potential to contaminate the soil and cause vapor intrusion issues in the surrounding area. With the installation of a vapor intrusion mitigation system, you will not only protect yourself and family from inhaling toxic chemical vapors, but also other natural but deadly soil gasses like radon. Lifetime Environmental Solutions has mitigated thousands of residential properties throughout our 22 years of business and we are eager to help you as well! Give us a call today for a free vapor intrusion mitigation system quote!
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Sub-Slab Depressurization Systems (SSD)
By far the most common method of vapor mitigation from a residential home is sub-slab depressurization (SSD). Sub-slab depressurization systems are designed to create a negative pressure under the slab of the home which in turn will divert rising vapors away from entering the home. A typical SSD system consists of PVC piping (3” or 4”), a mitigation fan, and a manometer to measure the system's effectiveness. Before installation, a certified mitigator will perform an inspection on the home to determine the best placement for system effectiveness and aesthetics. Once placement is determined, the vent piping is inserted into the slab and will draw air through a collection point. Collection points can include a manually dug out suction pit, a sump crock, drain-tile, and underneath a vapor barrier. The vent piping is then routed to the exterior of the home where the fan is also installed. In some cases, the vent piping and fan can be routed through the garage of the home. Per code the mitigation fan cannot be placed in or under a conditioned living space, so routing options are limited to the exterior, the garage, and though a non-livable attic space. The vent pipe must also extend a minimum of 6” above the roofline to prevent toxic chemicals from reentering the home. Give us a call today for a free mitigation estimate! We will design a custom vapor intrusion mitigation system for your home to ensure that your indoor air is safe to breath once again!
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Vapor Intrusion Health Risks
Health effects stemming from vapor intrusion exposure inside of your home can vary from person to person. Age, sex, prior health conditions, and past chemical exposures all play a role in how an individual will be affected. The type of chemical vapors present, and the concentration of the vapors inside of the home also play a large role. Chemicals like trichloroethylene (TCE), and other VOC’s of similar properties can cause short term health issues such as dizziness, headaches, confusion, and heart problems, while long term issues can include liver and kidney damage, nervous system damage, birth defects and certain types of cancers. In residential homes, long term effects are more common than the short term effects listed, as short term health effects from TCE are typically only experienced in occupational settings where levels are extremely high. Gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel vapors pose an entirely different type of health risk to a home's occupants. Fuel vapors can build up in a home to the point where an explosion can occur. If you believe that there is vapor intrusion occurring in your home from a former gas station site, you should contact local environmental authorities right away. Vapor intrusion is not something to ignore, give us a call today for a free mitigation system quote!
Vapor Mitigation Cost
The costs associated with having a vapor intrusion mitigation system installed are based on a few factors. The size of the home, the type of chemical vapors present, the vapor levels, and the routing method chosen to fit the home. Typically vapor mitigation systems for residential homes are similar in cost to a radon mitigation system which is on average between $800-$1500. By law the system should be paid for by the company that caused the contamination. Pricing will vary for the amount of houses that need mitigation for such companies. If you are a homeowner stuck with paying for this type of system yourself, we will work with you and find the best price. Give us a call today for a free estimate.