Soil vapor intrusion: brief history on technology development, brazilian scenar-io and recent advances

Abstract

Soil vapor intrusion is a process defined as volatile compounds migration from a subsurface source to indoor air, and it has been subject of debate among international regulatory and scientific communities for nearly three decades. In Brazil, as is the case with most developing technologies, technical guidelines for the assessment of soil vapor intrusion have been adapted, from the ones developed in North America and in Europe. Globally, the usual approach for the assessment of soil vapor intrusion is typically focused on the use of predictive modeling and human health risk assessment, while field investigations and use of multiple lines of evidence are regulated only in a few countries (Australia, Canada, Denmark, United States and United Kingdom). In these countries, innovative approach and new technologies have been successfully applied in order to explain the vapor intrusion process, refine conceptual models and support the decision-making process. In Brazil, advances on technological and regulatory framework have been identified, but there is also a wide scope of opportunities for technological advances and the establishment of specific guidelines for evaluation of the soil vapor intrusion process.