Experiments on pollutant transport from soil into residential basements by pressure-driven airflow

Nazaroff, William W.; Lewis, Steven R.; Doyle, S.M.; Moed, B.A.; Nero, A.V.

doi:10.1021/es00159a006

Cited by 96 publications

(85 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…Numerical (computer) and analytical (closed form) models have been developed to predict pressure-coupling between a basement and the surrounding soil and to predict soil-gas and radon entry (10,13,14,15). These models restrict the soil-gas entry pathway to a gap at the basement wall-floor interface.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Modeling and field evidence of pressure-driven entry of soil gas into a house through permeable below-grade walls

Garbesi¹,

Sextro²

1989

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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Modeling and field evidence are presented which indicate that soil gas can enter houses with basements at significant rates through permeable below-grade walls. Entry via this previously neglected pathway could result in elevated indoor concentrations of radon and other pollutants. Using artificial depressurization of the basement ( -25 to -30 Pa), field measurements were made of pressure-coupling between a basement and the surrounding soil and of soil-gas entry into the house . A two-dimensional, steady-:-state finite element model of fluid flow through porous media was used to simulate the experimental conditions, assuming air flow occurs through permeable substructure walls. The model predicts a soil-gas entry rate of 2.5 m 3 hr -l. The best estimate of soil-gas entry, based on field tracer-gas studies, was 4 m 3 hr-1 , with a range of 1.5-12 m 3 hr-1 . The soil was modeled with and without a lowpermeability layer just above basement floor level. The layered-soil model explains high pressure-coupling observed at 3-m depth out to 14 m west of the house.

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mentioning

confidence: 99%

Modeling and field evidence of pressure-driven entry of soil gas into a house through permeable below-grade walls

Garbesi¹,

Sextro²

1989

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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“…9 Migration through soil of other gases, such as radon and carbon dioxide, has been described in a variety of circumstances. 10,11 In addition, we are aware of five incidents in which CO found in residences was thought to have migrated through soil from explosive blasting used in nearby construction projects. In 1988, two Pennsylvania teenagers became CO-intoxicated in the basement of a home; local officials concluded that the CO source was explosives used 12,13 in a construction project across the street.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-98-0020, carbon monoxide intoxication and death in a newly constructed sewer manhole.

1997

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“…Several radon studies also suggest that radon intrusion by advection is typically a more significant process than is diffusion. [7][8][9][10] The most significant factors affecting the near-field compartment would therefore tend to be building underpressurization, the permeability of the building envelope and nearby soil, and depth to contamination.…”

Section: Mechanisms For Soil Vapor Intrusionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Use of Indoor Air Measurements To Evaluate Intrusion of Subsurface VOC Vapors into Buildings

Hers

Zapf-Gilje

et al. 2001

Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association

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The implementation of a risk-based corrective action approach often requires consideration of soil vapor migration into buildings and potential inhalation exposure and risk to human health. Due to the uncertainty associated with models for this pathway, there may be a desire to analyze indoor air samples to validate model predictions, and this approach is followed on a somewhat frequent basis at sites where risks are considered potentially significant. Indoor air testing can be problematic for a number of reasons. Soil vapor intrusion into buildings is complex, highly dependent on site-specific conditions, and may vary over time, complicating the interpretation of indoor air measurements when the goal is to deduce the subsurface-derived component. An extensive survey of indoor air quality data sets highlights the variability in indoor volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations and numerous sources that can lead to elevated VOC levels. The contribution from soil vapor is likely to be small relative to VOCs from other sources for most sites. In light of these challenges, we discuss how studies that use indoor air testing to assess subsurface risks could be improved. To provide added perspective, we conclude by comparing indoor air concentrations and risks arising from subsurface VOCs, predicted using standard model equations for soil vapor fate and intrusion into buildings, to those associated with indoor sources.

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Experiments on pollutant transport from soil into residential basements by pressure-driven airflow

Cited by 96 publications

References 9 publications

Modeling and field evidence of pressure-driven entry of soil gas into a house through permeable below-grade walls

Modeling and field evidence of pressure-driven entry of soil gas into a house through permeable below-grade walls

Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-98-0020, carbon monoxide intoxication and death in a newly constructed sewer manhole.

The Use of Indoor Air Measurements To Evaluate Intrusion of Subsurface VOC Vapors into Buildings

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