Vapour intrusion testing

Vapour intrusion testing can involve collecting samples from indoor air, air beneath the floor, and air within the soils. These testing results, along with information on the property and the contamination under the ground, will help determine whether vapour intrusion may be occurring above safe levels.

Access to your home

Day 1 – Approximately 2 hours for the placement of air samplers and to install a soil vapour bore or sub-slab vapour pin at the property (if required and agreed by the owner). We will also ask you about your house’s construction, household products you use, and ventilation to understand household activities that may influence the testing results.

Day 10 to 14 – Approximately 2 hours to collect air samplers and sample the soil vapour bore or sub-slab vapour pins (if installed).

EPA contractor

The EPA has engaged a specialist site contamination contractor to complete the testing. EPA representatives will be present at all times during the placement and collection of samplers at your home. Contractor staff undertaking the works have completed all relevant EPA security checks.

Indoor air sampling

Indoor air sampling will involve the placement of small passive air samplers at up to five locations within the residence including the main living area and bedrooms.

The passive air samplers do not make noise.

The air samplers will remain in place for 10 to 14 days and then be collected by the EPA for laboratory testing.

The passive air samplers must not be touched or moved during the sampling period.

Under-floor air sampling

Raised floor (stump and bearer) properties

For properties with raised floors (typically timber), it may be possible to install small passive air samplers through existing sub-floor access doors or through external vents. Where this is not possible, other options to access the sub-floor are available and will be discussed and agreed with the owner.

The passive air samplers used do not make noise.

The air samplers will remain in place for 10 to 14 days and then be collected by the EPA for laboratory testing.

The passive air samplers must not be touched or moved during the sampling period.

Slab on ground properties

For properties with a concrete slab on ground foundation, up to two small holes (1.6 cm in diameter) may need to be drilled through the concrete slab at discrete locations and a stainless steel sub-slab vapour pin installed. This sub-slab vapour pin is covered with a flush mount stainless steel cap (5 cm in diameter).

Locations of the sub-slab vapour pins will be discussed and agreed with the owner. These are typically installed in the garage/carport.

When collecting the indoor air samplers, the EPA will collect a soil vapour sample from the sub-slab vapour pin for laboratory testing.

Installing and sampling a soil vapour bore

Installation will involve digging a small borehole using a hand auger (5 cm in diameter) to approximately 1.5 m below the ground surface. A metal probe will be inserted at the bottom of the hole with plastic tubing leading to the surface. The borehole will then be backfilled with sand. The soil vapour bore will be finished with a plastic cover (20 cm in diameter) that is flush with the ground surface.

The location of the soil vapour bore will be discussed and agreed with the owner. These are typically installed within a garden bed.

A Before You Dig Australia accredited service locator will check for underground services (water pipes, gas lines, electrical and communication cables) prior to commencing the installation of the soil vapour bore.

When collecting the indoor air samplers, the EPA will collect a soil vapour sample from the soil vapour bore for laboratory testing.

Passive air sampler used for indoor and under floor air sampling	Summa canister used for soil vapour bore or sub-slab vapour pin sampling
Sub-slab vapour pin with flush mount stainless steel cap (5 cm diameter)	Installing a soil vapour bore with a hand auger
Soil vapour bore installed in a garden area	Soil vapour bore installed in a garden area