Lifetime Environmental Solutions
Vapor Intrusion Mitigation Systems For Industrial Buildings
Vapor Intrusion Mitigation Systems For Industrial Buildings
Vapor intrusion poses significant risks to industrial buildings such as manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, and data centers. Toxic chemicals in the subsurface can turn into vapor and infiltrate buildings through cracks, utility penetrations, or foundation gaps. These vapors often originate from current or former industrial sites, including metal fabrication plants, chemical storage facilities, fuel stations, and dry cleaning operations. Common contaminants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), and benzene, along with explosive gases like methane and gasoline vapors.
Unchecked vapor intrusion can compromise indoor air quality, pose serious health risks to workers, and even lead to operational hazards in critical environments such as data centers. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to nervous system damage, organ toxicity, reproductive issues, and cancer.
Fortunately, vapor intrusion can be effectively managed with engineered mitigation systems. Solutions such as sub-slab depressurization and vapor barriers prevent harmful gases from infiltrating facilities, ensuring regulatory compliance and workplace safety.
What Does Vapor Mitigation Involve?
Vapor intrusion systems use negative pressure to draw the rising vapors out before they can enter the building. There are two main types of vapor mitigation systems which include sub-slab depressurization systems (SSD) and sub-membrane depressurization systems (SMD). The type of system used for each particular vapor mitigation project is largely dictated by the test results, and the construction of the building itself. Aesthetically, these systems look very similar on the exterior as a radon mitigation system does.
Vapor mitigation systems are comprised of PVC, a specially designed in-line fan, and system monitoring equipment to measure the pressure. Pressure field extension (PFE) testing must be done at each property to ensure that we properly cover the entire footprint of the building to keep the harmful vapors from entering.
Our team of commercial vapor intrusion specialists brings years of expertise in identifying and resolving hazardous air quality issues. We employ advanced barrier and venting techniques to ensure effective, long-term solutions.
Vapor Intrusion Risks
After a building has undergone vapor intrusion sampling to assess potential contamination, the next concern is understanding the health risks associated with chemical vapors in the structure. The severity of health effects depends on the specific chemicals present, their concentration, and the duration of exposure. Contaminants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can pose serious risks, including respiratory issues, nervous system damage, reproductive harm, and even cancer. Identifying the contaminants and their potential impact is a critical step in determining the appropriate mitigation measures to ensure a safe indoor environment.
Most chemical vapors that make it into a structure won’t cause immediate health effects, but over time you may get sick and develop terminal diseases. Certain groups of people are much more susceptible to getting sick or suffering from complications of breathing in chemical vapors. These groups include: pregnant women, children, the elderly, and people who are living with chronic disease or a compromised immune system. It is important to have your building sampled for vapor intrusion and mitigated if necessary by a professional.
Manufacturing
Facilities designed for the production, assembly, and processing of goods, often equipped with specialized machinery and infrastructure.
Distribution
Facilities designed to store, manage, and efficiently distribute goods to retailers, businesses, or consumers.
Energy & Utilities
Production, processing, and distribution of energy and utilities. Ensuring reliable infrastructure for electricity, water, and fuel supply.
Data Centers
Facilities designed to house, manage, and secure critical IT infrastructure, enabling the storage, processing, and distribution of data.
Food Processing
Production, processing, and packaging of food and beverages. Ensuring safety and quality in perishable and non-perishable goods.
R&D Facilities
Facilities designed for research, development, and innovation. Providing specialized spaces for testing, prototyping, and advancing technology.Sub-Slab Depressurization Systems
Sub-slab depressurization is the most common and effective method for vapor mitigation. It works by creating negative pressure beneath the building’s slab to redirect harmful soil gases away from the structure. This involves coring a hole, creating a collection point, and installing a sealed pipe that vents gases safely above the roofline using an in-line fan. Larger or complex structures may require multiple systems for optimal results.
At Lifetime Environmental Solutions, we design and install systems according to EPA, state guidelines, and AARST/NRPP standards, ensuring professional and compliant solutions.
Sub-Membrane Depressurization Systems
Sub-membrane depressurization systems are utilized for properties that have and open dirt or gravel crawlspace, or a structure that includes rooms that are open directly to the soil. SMDS systems are installed with an air tight vapor mat that is placed over the foundation.
Once that vapor mat is tightly sealed as to not allow any rising vapor through, a pipe is sealed to the mat to allow all of the trapped gases underneath to be vented. The rest of the system is similar to the sub-slab depressurization system as the piping simply extends up and out of the building where a fan is installed to vent the vapor above the roofline.
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For A Safe & Healthy Environment
Trust a certified and licensed radon mitigation expert to keep your commercial property safe. Our specialists ensure clean air, protect occupants, and reduce liability risks. Contact us for professional radon testing and mitigation to get a free quote for your business.