[CPEO-BIF] Another type of vapor intrusion risk

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@cpeo.org>]

News Release
U.S. EPA Region 7
October 9, 2009

EPA Works with Local Agencies, Residents to Analyze Indoor Air Problems 
in Basements


(Kansas City, Kan., October 9, 2009) - The U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency (EPA) will be working with residents in four Kansas counties to 
check potential oxygen depletion issues in the basements of their homes. 
Oxygen depletion can occur when carbon dioxide, methane or other soil 
vapors seep into building spaces, especially basements.

EPA officials became concerned amid reports of carbon dioxide and 
methane vapors discovered in homes by local emergency and health 
officials after several major rainfall events in the area. Recent 
reports of possible methane and carbon dioxide intrusion increased the 
level of concern for public health and safety and EPA felt it important 
that the public be notified. The reports center on cases in Sedgwick and 
Butler counties with single cases reported in Sumner and Harper counties.

Elevated carbon dioxide and methane levels can deplete oxygen levels in 
indoor air resulting in an immediate and a possible long-term health 
hazard. High-level methane concentrations can create immediate safety 
concerns with explosive conditions.

...

For the entire news release, go to
http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/beebc0b489d357e08525735900400c2f/a4288cb21b81bb318525764a006c7ac0!OpenDocument

--


Lenny Siegel
Executive Director, Center for Public Environmental Oversight
a project of the Pacific Studies Center
278-A Hope St., Mountain View, CA 94041
Voice: 650/961-8918 or 650/969-1545
Fax: 650/961-8918
<lsiegel@cpeo.org>
http://www.cpeo.org



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