There’s a new website through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources that allows local governments to learn more about preventing Vapor Intrusion.
According to the DNR, “Vapor intrusion is a phenomenon through which vapors from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from chemicals used in commercial activities, such as dry-cleaning chemicals, chemical degreasers, and petroleum products like gasoline, enter a building, typically through cracks or gaps in the foundation.”
The often colorless and odorless vapors can cause unsafe indoor air quality conditions and could result in adverse health effects.
Another way of looking at it would be how radon, a naturally occurring gas, enters a house or building.
For local governments, understanding how vapor can migrate is important when starting to plan for utility work, building and occupancy permits, re-zoning, and development.
