Vapour intrusion, though invisible to the eye and inaudible to the ear, gives those who are aware of it, a reason to pause. It's movement, via preferential pathways into overlying buildings and other enclosed spaces is the concern. Vapour toxicity and its potential impact on human health is the overriding peril.

Vapour intrusion results when volatile chemicals from sub-surface contaminated groundwater or soil, enter an overlying building or enclosed space. Vapours are emitted from volatile chemicals and may migrate through sub-surface soil and into indoor air spaces. They follow the path of least resistance, such as cracks in a building's foundation and openings for utility lines.

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