Community Perspectives on the Risk of Indoor Air Pollution Arising from Contaminated Groundwater. (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Johnston, Jill E.; Kramer, Amanda J.; MacDonald Gibson, Jacqueline
• Is Part Of: New solutions. Volume 25:Number 1(2015:Feb.)
• Page Start: 59
• Page End: 77
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: vapor intrusion -- community knowledge -- environmental justice -- qualitative research; Environmental health -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Government policy -- United States -- Periodicals; Industrial hygiene -- Periodicals; Industrial hygiene -- Government policy -- United States -- Periodicals; 613.62
• DOI: 10.1177/1048291115569026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1048-2911

Abstract

The migration of volatile contaminants into overlying buildings, known as vapor intrusion, is a health concern for people living above contaminated groundwater. As public health and environmental agencies develop protocols to evaluate vapor intrusion exposure, little attention has been paid to the experiences and opinions of communities likely to be affected by vapor intrusion. Using a community-driven research approach and qualitative interviews, we explored community perspectives on the vapor intrusion pathway and the perceived impact on community health and well-being among neighbors living atop a large, shallow-chlorinated solvent plume in San Antonio, TX. Most participants associated vapor intrusion with health risks, expressing concern about the unavoidable and uncontrollable nature of their exposure. Few were satisfied with the responsiveness of public officials. Above all, participants wanted more accurate, transparent information and additional independent scientific investigations.