Not all chemical vapors found in homes or businesses are coming from the groundwater. For example, a number of commercially available products contain trichloroethene (TCE), the primary contaminant of concern in the groundwater. The use or storage of these products in homes or attached garages can cause these chemicals to be detected during the air sampling.
Indoor sources of chemicals could cause the Air Force to install a Vapor Intrusion Mitigation System in a home or building that does not need one. Please carefully read the labels of products inside your home to see if they contain TCE. Products in your home containing this chemical could affect the sampling results. The products most likely to contain this chemical are typically found in metal tubes, aerosol cans, or glass containers.
Gun care products: Some commercially available gun cleaners and other gun care products can contain chlorinated solvents, such as TCE.
Electrical cleaners and degreasers: Chlorinated solvents are common in electrical cleaners, because they evaporate quickly and are not flammable. Check the label of any aerosol electrical degreaser or cleaner.
Glues and adhesives: Most household glues do not contain chlorinated solvents, but some specialized glues do. Check those that are made to bond acrylics and other plastics. While most use a petroleum-based solvent, some use chlorinated solvents.
Automotive degreasers and cleaners: Most automotive products use petroleum-based solvents, but chlorinated solvents are found in some products. In particular, brake parts cleaners or solvents that claim to be non-flammable are the most likely to contain TCE. Again, check the label.
Certain plastics and resin products contain the chemical 1,2-dichloroethane (DCA). Plastic holiday ornaments, for example, are commonly made with the type of plastic that contains DCA. In certain parts of Layton, where DCA is in the groundwater, the sampling team may ask if you have any of those types of ornaments or other similar materials prior to placing the sampling devices. Click here to view photos of some of the plastic items that have been found to emit DCA vapors.