Vapor Intrusion Issues Due to Tetracloroethene a Concern in Hauppauge, New York

Cinnaminson, NJ, August 10th, 2012
 
From 1975 until 1985 an industrial property in Hauppauge, New York was used by a textile manufacturer.  As part of their operations, tetracloroethene was used to dry clean materials onsite.  The chemical was stored in several tanks both below and above ground on the property.
 
These chemical storage tanks are believed to have leaked causing a toxic hazardous waste plume of chemicals in the area.  Tetracloroethene has been detected in the soil, soil gas and groundwater in the area.  In addition, state officials have acknowledged several buildings over the toxic plume have issues with vapor intrusion.
 
Just recently, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation announced their plans to begin cleanup operations and a long-term monitoring program. This monitoring program will include both indoor and outdoor monitoring.
 
According to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, “Vapor intrusion refers to the process by which volatile chemicals move from a subsurface source into the indoor air of overlying or adjacent buildings…”  It goes on to state, “Vapors can enter buildings in two different ways. In rare cases, vapor intrusion is the result of groundwater contamination which enters basements and releases volatile chemicals into the indoor air. In most cases, vapor intrusion is caused by contaminated vapors migrating through the soil directly into basements or foundation slabs.”
 
One company that has been on the forefront of helping to test for vapor intrusion issues at hazardous waste sites is EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Tetracloroethene, also known as tetrachloroethylene, has been widely used in the past in dry cleaning operations,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical.  “It has been classified as a Group 2A carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.  Not only is this chemical a danger in the outdoor environment, but it can also migrate into homes, schools and businesses through a process known as vapor intrusion.  EMSL can provide testing equipment and analysis of air samples to determine if this toxic chemical is present indoors.”
 
EMSL Analytical has sponsored an online educational video about the dangers associated with vapor intrusion that can be seen at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TLCXmehOwE
 
To learn more about testing for vapor intrusion or other indoor air quality (IAQ) services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of 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

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com