One alternate exposure pathway of VOC vapors from contaminated subsurface environments into indoor air–legacy sewer plumbing systems. Feature article in the spring 2015 Groundwater Resources Association of California (GRAC) Newsletter

摘要: Sewer-plumbing systems, land drains and subsurface utility conduits/lines/trenches are alternate exposure pathways for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the shallow subsurface to migrate into indoor air. Sewers which are well past their design life, or legacy sewers, allow for leakage into and out of the pipes. Legacy sewers that intercept VOC-contaminated groundwater or vapor likely contain VOCs in the sewer air. This article highlights an often overlooked implication of legacy sewers and their interception of VOC plumes—the potential for VOC-impacted sewer air to enter indoor air spaces.