environmental Strategist, between the lines: Michigan alone has 9,000 leaking underground storage tanks that we know about but do not have the money to clean them up. This means in Michigan at a minimum, we have 9,000 locations that can cause vapor intrusion just from tanks. How many more don’t we know about?
The questions for your property owner is, what if your property is impacted by vapor intrusion and the party at fault does not have the money to clean it up or is no longer in business? Your property owner now owns a contaminated piece of property. A site specific Environmental impairment Liability policy can cover this exposure.
Besides building owners those being sued for vapor intrusion are businesses that can impact a foundation which allows vapors to enter a buildings envelope such as electricians, plumbers, utility contractors, excavation contractors, HVAC contractors, general contractors, architects and engineers….
Environmental Risk Management Tip: For purchasers of property, as a general rule a Phase I environmental assessment will not include Vapor Intrusion (ASTM 2600). Property purchasers performing environmental due diligence should request to have vapor intrusion (ASTM 2600) included as part of their Phase I and / or Phase II environmental assessment/s.
Buildings with Vapor Intrusion Issues Risk Occupants’ Health
Source: Cochrane & Associates, LLC
Vapor intrusion is described by building envelop professionals as what happens when a gaseous substance migrates into a building. Volatile organic compounds and other gases can make their way from contaminated soils and groundwater through cracks in foundations or sewer lines and enter a building. When vapor intrusion occurs it can create an environment that damages structural materials and puts building occupants’ health at risk. Human exposure to vapor intrusion can cause everything from minor irritations such as headaches and nausea, to more significant problems such as cancer or chronic
disease from prolonged exposure to toxic vapors.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that potential health issues associated with vapor intrusion vary and are dependent upon the types and concentrations of chemicals involved. The length of exposure to the chemicals and the overall health of those being exposed are also factors that may determine how vapor intrusion will impact building occupants.