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Category Press Release
Publish Date 6/24/2019
Author Paul Cochrane
Title Two Elementary Schools Reopen After Hazardous Chemicals Found Beneath Them
Introduction EMSL Analytical provides testing services and sampling supplies to identify hazardous substances in soil, water and due to vapor intrusion.

Indianapolis, IN,  June 24th , 2019

Earlier this spring, WBAA, a news station, announced that two elementary schools in Indiana were reopening after the latest round of tests determined the indoor air quality was safe from hazardous chemicals that had been detected beneath the schools. The article reported that none of the recent air tests for trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) showed unsafe indoor levels.

The school district announced plans to install a sub slab depressurization technology to help prevent chemical contamination in the ground from entering the schools through a process known as vapor intrusion. Vapor intrusion occurs when chemicals migrate to the indoor air above a contaminated site through cracks, gaps and openings in a building’s foundation.

TCE and PCE are industrial solvents that have been linked to various health concerns. In 2016, TCE’s classification was upgraded by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to known to be a human carcinogen. Both chemicals can be found in a number of former industrial sites where the chemicals were used and either dumped or improperly stored. Plumes of these or other chemicals can then spread over large areas underground and cause groundwater, soil and vapor intrusion issues for those who live, work or go to school in these areas.

“Potential health issues associated with vapor intrusion issues vary and are dependent upon the types and concentrations of the chemicals found,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Because many of these hazardous chemicals break down so slowly, there are communities in towns and cities all across the nation that were built above or near contaminated land or groundwater that are subject to vapor intrusion concerns. To address these issues, EMSL offers comprehensive indoor air quality and environmental testing, along with all of the sampling supplies necessary to identify TCE, PCE and other hazardous chemicals associated with vapor intrusion, contaminated groundwater and soil.”

EMSL Analytical has sponsored an educational video about vapor intrusion that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/0TLCXmehOwE.

To learn more about TCE, PCE and vapor intrusion or other indoor air quality, environmental, health and safety testing 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.
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