Ann Arbor, MI, June 4th, 2018
Recently, Michigan’s Oakland County Health Division issued a mandatory closure notice for businesses in the Franklin Village Plaza. This occurred after the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) notified the agency about the discovery of a storage tank with at least 45 gallons of unknown volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the crawl space of the building.
Several days previously, the Health Division had encouraged the businesses to temporarily and voluntarily close because of the vapor intrusion concerns. The discovery of the vapor intrusion issues was a result of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality's ongoing efforts to investigate indoor air quality (IAQ) concerns resulting from buildings constructed on or near known contamination sites.
Commercial buildings are not the only ones at risk due to vapor intrusion. In Massachusetts, the Worcester Housing Authority and the Department of Public Works were recently involved with testing the air quality of a housing complex. Trace levels of the solvent trichloroethane were reportedly found according to media reports. The air testing took place after the discovery of the chemical in the groundwater below the complex.
“Vapor intrusion can occur in homes, schools and businesses if they are built above areas where the groundwater or soil is polluted with volatile chemicals,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Many of these chemicals can pose serious exposure risks at high enough concentrations. People concerned about vapor intrusion or water and soil contamination issues can turn to EMSL for comprehensive testing services and all of the sampling supplies necessary to submit samples. If an air quality issue is discovered, there are steps that can be taken to mitigate indoor exposure risks.”
To learn more about vapor intrusion testing or other environmental, occupational, indoor air quality, health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with 44 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria,
Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at
www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.