EPA Solicits Input about Vapor Intrusion as a Component to the Hazard Ranking System

EMSL Analytical offers vapor intrusion and volatile organic compound (VOC) testing services to protect building occupants from dangerous chemicals.

Cinnaminson, NJ

In January of this year the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a Notice of Opportunity for Public Input. The notice was to solicit input about whether to include a vapor intrusion component to the Hazard Ranking System (HRS).

The release states, “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.” The deadline for submitting comments on the topic is April 16, 2011.

EMSL Analytical, Inc., a leading provider of vapor intrusion testing services offers testing solutions for developers, government agencies and environmental professionals. “Vapor intrusion happens when a gaseous substance migrates into a building,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical. “Radon, volatile organic compounds, water vapor and other gases can make their way 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 including headaches and nausea, to more significant problems such as cancer or chronic disease,” he continued.

For information about testing for vapor intrusion or other IAQ and environmental testing services please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of quality environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President, Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

Contact via E-mail