New York Landlords Required by Law to Notify Tenants of Indoor Air Contamination due to Soil Vapor Intrusion

Cinnaminson, NJ, November 9, 2012
 
In 2008, the governor of New York signed new legislation that added a section to the Environmental Conservation Law.  It requires property owners and owner agents to notify their tenants and occupants of any test results related to indoor air contamination associated with soil vapor intrusion.
 
The New York law applies to both residential and non-residential properties.  According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, “The phrase “soil vapor intrusion” refers to the process by which volatile chemicals move from contaminated soil and groundwater into the indoor air of buildings. This contamination of indoor air by SVI is an emerging area of public health concern. SVI occurs when volatile contaminants in the subsurface evaporate and rise through pores in soil and into homes and other buildings through cracks and gaps in the building’s foundation. When this happens, occupants of these buildings may be exposed to volatile chemicals in indoor air. In certain cases, the vapors may accumulate to levels that may increase the risk of adverse health effects for persons living in or using those buildings. The potential adverse health effects from chemical exposures vary based on several factors, including the length of exposure, the amount of the exposure, the frequency of exposure, the toxicity of the volatile chemical(s), and an individual’s sensitivity to the chemical(s). New York has emerged as a national leader in the field of SVI assessment and remediation and this law to assure tenant notification is the first of its kind in the nation.”
 
One of the leading vapor intrusion testing laboratories in the region and across the United States is EMSL Analytical, Inc. “EMSL has testing facilities that specialize in determining any chemical contaminants found in vapor intrusion cases,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical.  “Air testing is a critical to identifying cases of vapor intrusion and protecting people’s health.”
 
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

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com