Los Angeles Area Homes near Contaminated Groundwater Plume Monitored for Vapor Intrusion Hazards

Last month, the Los Angeles Times published an article about homes located near several South Bay Superfund sites.  The neighborhoods were built around past industrial plants, a synthetic rubber factory and other former industrial sites that produced DDT, which is a pesticide that is now banned.
 
These industrial plants are blamed for dumping hazardous chemicals, such as trichloroethylene (TCE), DDT, chlorobenzene, benzene and possibly other toxic materials into ponds and trenches that were on the grounds.  Over time, these chemicals made their way into the groundwater and have now spread out and created a large hazardous groundwater plume.

According to the article, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is presently conducting indoor air quality tests at a number of homes in the impacted area.  The air is being tested due to concerns over these toxic chemicals entering properties through a process known as vapor intrusion.  Vapor intrusion occurs when there is movement of volatile chemicals that emit vapors from contaminated groundwater or soils into an overlying building.

“Vapor intrusion issues near Superfund sites is a common occurrence,” reported Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Garden Grove facility.   “California is no exception as the Los Angeles Times article states this problem is being investigated at 18 of California’s 97 Superfund locations.  To help people with concerns over vapor intrusion issues in their homes, schools and businesses, LA Testing offers comprehensive vapor intrusion testing services and all of the sampling supplies that are needed.  If problems are found, corrective actions can then be implemented to fix the problem and prevent human exposure to toxic chemicals.”
 
LA Testing has sponsored an educational video about trichloroethylene and potential exposure risks that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/DetCE36YMHs.
 
To learn more about testing for vapor intrusion, TCE, benzene or other environmental, health and safety issues, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. 
 
About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states accreditations and certifications.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Garden Grove, San Leandro and San Diego.
 

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