Environmental Testing Laboratory

Ann Arbor, MI, July 20^th, 2018

Just recently, Michigan’s WHMI published a Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) report about expanded vapor intrusion testing of more homes near a groundwater contamination plume in the town of Brighton. According to the article, trichloroethylene (TCE) was identified in the groundwater in the polluted area several years ago. Some of the homes built above the plume that were previously tested were found to have indoor air quality (IAQ) issues due to TCE vapors seeping into the homes.

The IAQ of homes and buildings can be impacted by TCE if it migrates from contaminated soil and/or groundwater to the indoors through cracks, gaps and openings in a building’s foundation through a process known as vapor intrusion. TCE is a type of volatile organic compound (VOC) that breaks down slowly in soil and water and has been found in numerous contaminated underground water sources and surface waters across the country.

In California, TCE has been listed under the state’s Prop 65 as being known to cause cancer since 1988 and was also listed due to concerns over its ability to cause developmental issues in 2014. In 2016, TCE’s classification was upgraded by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to known to be a human carcinogen.

“There have been 40 homes tested according to the WHMI article and another 60 that are scheduled to be analyzed,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Fortunately, the article states that mitigation systems to remove the contaminated air from the inside of several of the homes that were found to have TCE have been successful. Unfortunately, there are neighborhoods in towns and cities in every state of the nation that were built above or near contaminated land or groundwater that are subject to vapor intrusion concerns, and it’s not just homes that are impacted. Schools, businesses and all types of institutions face these same exposure hazards for building occupants. To address these concerns, EMSL offers comprehensive indoor air quality and environmental testing, along with all of the sampling supplies necessary, to identify TCE and other chemical hazards associated with vapor intrusion.”

EMSL has sponsored an educational video about trichloroethylene and exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/O9ZitHrh9q0.  

To learn more about TCE or 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 is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 45 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.