Commentary: Legal Implications of Vapor Intrusion for Owners, Developers

Summary

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Vapor intrusion is defined in Oregon Department of Environmental Quality guidance as the migration of volatile organic compounds from the subsurface into buildings. Common examples of VOCs are gasoline, diesel and solvents used to clean metals, thin paint, and dry-clean clothing. VOCs are sources of carcinogens such as benzene and trichloroethylene. Semi-VOCs and other hazardous substances also can be sources of toxic chemicals that can migrate into buildings and compromise indoor air quality.

In recent years, the mechanisms for vapor intrusion and the potential chronic health risks from long-term exposure to carcinogens in indoor air have become identified. In response, the private sector and state and federal regulatory agencies tasked with environmental protection and worker health and safety have all taken steps to better understand and manage these risks.

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Extract

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Commentary: Legal Implications of Vapor Intrusion for Owners, Developers

Legal concerns related to vapor intrusion also have become clearer. VI can subject developers, property owners, employers, investors, lenders and parties responsible for cleanup of hazardous substances to statutory and common law liability, tort claims, employee and tenant com...

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