Field Methods to Distinguish between Vapor Intrusion and Indoor Sources of VOCs

Thursday, December 1, 1:30–5:30 pm

Participants received 4 professional development hours upon course completion.  

Instructors:

Dr. Erik Dettenmaier – Hill Air Force Base – Environmental Restoration Branch 
Mr. Kyle Gorder – Hill Air Force Base – Environmental Restoration Branch 
Dr. Thomas McHugh – GSI Environmental Inc. 

Indoor sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are ubiquitous. As a result, when using indoor air measurements to evaluate vapor intrusion, reliable methods are needed to distinguish between vapor intrusion and indoor sources of VOCs. This short course demonstrated the use of on-site analysis of indoor air samples to identify indoor sources of VOCs and to determine whether vapor intrusion is occurring. Instructors also discussed supplemental tools such as building pressure control and radon analysis that can be used to minimize the effects of spatial and temporal variability on investigation results. Implementation of the field investigation methods and interpretation of the results as well as method validation and regulatory acceptance was covered. The course included a hands-on demonstration of the HAPSITE GC/MS for on-site analysis of VOCs in indoor air samples and a demonstration of other field investigation equipment used to control and measure building pressure and to measure radon concentrations. The Short Course material in its entirety can be found in the Full Presentation and in the corresponding Hands-On Demonstration Handout. On-Demand Videos are currently under development.