Vapor Intrusion Issues Still a Concern in Endicott, New York

EMSL Analytical offers vapor intrusion testing services to protect building occupants from toxic fumes migrating into occupied structures.
 
Cinnaminson, NJ, July 12th, 2012
 
In the late 1970s a chemical spill occurred at a manufacturing plant in Endicott, New York.  Earlier this month, channel 34 in Binghamton broadcast a report about the ongoing cleanup efforts, decades after the incident.
 
The spill caused groundwater to be contaminated with trichloroethylene, also known as TCE.  The TCE can enter buildings over the toxic plume through a process known as vapor intrusion.  To date, more than 450 locations have had systems installed to deal with any vapor intrusion issues from the spill.
 
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 in homes, schools and businesses is EMSL Analytical, Inc. The laboratory is one of the nation’s leading testing facilities for determining the extent and cause of vapor intrusion cases.
 
“Trichloroethylene has been the culprit in numerous cases of vapor intrusion across the country,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical.  “It can cause all types of health issues for building occupants exposed to it in the air they breathe.  Acute and chronic inhalation exposure to trichloroethylene can affect the human central nervous system, with symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, confusion, euphoria, facial numbness, and weakness.  Liver, kidney, immunological, endocrine, and developmental effects have also been reported in humans.  Air testing is the only way to know for sure if vapor intrusion is a problem.”
 
EMSL Analytical has sponsored an online educational video about the dangers associated with vapor intrusion.  It 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

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President, Marketing

EMSL Analytical Inc.

Contact via E-mail