A Vapor Intrusion Primer for Real Property Transactions: 10 Questions to Ask Before You Buy or Lease Property

Vapor intrusion from chemical contamination in soils and groundwater into overlying buildings has been one of the most talked about issues in environmental due diligence since a series of articles in the Denver Post in January 2002 questioned whether a commonly-used screening model provided adequate protection against health risks for building occupants. Much-anticipated ASTM and USEPA guidance on due diligence and investigation for vapor intrusion were issued in 2013, and these are just beginning to be interpreted and applied. This paper discusses some of the principal questions that a purchaser, seller, lessee or lessor of commercial property may have when a potential vapor intrusion risk is identified.