Lifetime Environmental Solutions
Vapor Intrusion Mitigation Systems For Government & Military Buildings
Vapor Intrusion Mitigation Systems For Government & Military Buildings
Vapor intrusion poses significant risks to government and military buildings, including courthouses, city halls, military bases, and police stations, where air quality and occupant safety are critical. Toxic chemicals in the subsurface can turn into vapor and enter buildings through foundation cracks, utility lines, or structural gaps. These vapors often originate from nearby or historical industrial sites, such as fuel storage facilities, dry cleaners, and manufacturing plants that used hazardous chemicals.
Exposure to contaminants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals can cause neurological damage, organ toxicity, respiratory issues, and even cancer, posing a health risk to government employees, military personnel, and the public.
Given the essential functions performed within these buildings—ranging from law enforcement and military operations to judicial proceedings and city governance—ensuring a safe indoor environment is a top priority. If vapor intrusion is detected, immediate mitigation is necessary to comply with safety regulations and maintain operational integrity. Effective solutions, such as sub-slab depressurization and vapor barriers, prevent harmful gases from entering occupied spaces, ensuring a secure and compliant facility.
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.
Courthouses
Government buildings where legal cases are heard, judicial decisions are made, and public records are maintained.
Municipal Buildings
Government buildings that serve as centers for local and state governments, housing offices, legislative chambers, and public meetings.
Public Libraries
Public facilities that provide access to books, digital resources, and information, serving as spaces for learning and community centers.
Military Bases
Secure facilities where armed forces personnel train and conduct operations, often serving as hubs for military administration and logistics.
Police Stations
Facilities where law enforcement officers conduct operations, handle admin duties, and provide public safety services to the community.
Prisons
Secure facilities to confine and rehabilitate individuals convicted of crimes, while ensuring public safety and maintaining order.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.