VOC fumes are almost always the result of man-made environmental pollution. The most common contaminants are industrial solvents such as trichlor-ethylene, benzene, or dry cleaning solutions, or discharges by gasoline stations or other facilities.   The US EPA has a large list of other candidates that are of concern.

 

The sources of the fumes that can leak into indoor spaces are the organic liquid that have been dumped or leaked into the ground. These liquids emit gases that are harmful to people, and should be removed.   The technology for mitigating these fumes is the same as that used in Radon mitigation, and state agencies have officially recommended Radon mitigation firms to do VOC removal. 

Some common sources are TCE or TCA liquids that are used in industrial operations. TCE in particular was widely used as a degreasing agent in electronics manufacturing, and was not regarded as a serious pollutant as recently as the early 1980s. Potential sources of benzene can be landfills containing bio-degradable materials.  Dry cleaners are possible sources of spilled or leaked solvents. The list can be large. The mitigation methods are generally the same for all of the candidates. 

Eliminating VOC fumes is a multi-phase project. 

 

The first step is a determination of the extent of the problem and an estimate of the spatial spread of the source(s). The initial conditions should include a full assay of pre-mitigation air quality parameters, with tests by a qualified firm.

 

The second step is a detailed design of the system needed to mitigate the problem. The size and the construction details of the property are evaluated, and pressure field tests are designed to permit a full set of system specifications to solve the problem. This step may include pressure field mapping with test holes at various locations.

 

The third step is the actual installation of soil depressurization elements, with venting to the outdoors above the roofline.

 

The final step is measurement of the mitigation result. This step must be done by a qualified air sampling firm.  

We have an impressive list of projects done by our firm. 

VOC fumes are almost always the result of man-made environmental pollution. The most common contaminants are industrial solvents such as trichlor-ethylene, benzene, or dry cleaning solutions, or discharges by gasoline stations or other facilities.   The US EPA has a large list of other candidates that are of concern.

 

The sources of the fumes that can leak into indoor spaces are the organic liquid that have been dumped or leaked into the ground. These liquids emit gases that are harmful to people, and should be removed.   The technology for mitigating these fumes is the same as that used in Radon mitigation, and state agencies have officially recommended Radon mitigation firms to do VOC removal. 

Some common sources are TCE or TCA liquids that are used in industrial operations. TCE in particular was widely used as a degreasing agent in electronics manufacturing, and was not regarded as a serious pollutant as recently as the early 1980s. Potential sources of benzene can be landfills containing bio-degradable materials.  Dry cleaners are possible sources of spilled or leaked solvents. The list can be large. The mitigation methods are generally the same for all of the candidates. 

Eliminating VOC fumes is a multi-phase project. 

 

The first step is a determination of the extent of the problem and an estimate of the spatial spread of the source(s). The initial conditions should include a full assay of pre-mitigation air quality parameters, with tests by a qualified firm.

 

The second step is a detailed design of the system needed to mitigate the problem. The size and the construction details of the property are evaluated, and pressure field tests are designed to permit a full set of system specifications to solve the problem. This step may include pressure field mapping with test holes at various locations.

 

The third step is the actual installation of soil depressurization elements, with venting to the outdoors above the roofline.

 

The final step is measurement of the mitigation result. This step must be done by a qualified air sampling firm.  

We have an impressive list of projects done by our firm.