Results of EPA Indoor Air Sampling

Last month, the TOSC article discussed the nature of indoor air sampling and why some homes in Sugar Creek were being sampled. This article focuses on EPA sampling results.

EPA conducted three rounds of basement air sampling in some homes around the former Amoco refinery site in June - July 1999, February 2000 and July – August 2000. Indoor air sampling focused on homes above the known offsite groundwater plume. All samples collected during the investigations were 24-hour composite samples. Sampling in homes was conducted every-other day for a minimum of one week in each home selected for sampling. For some homes, sampling occurred over a four week period. More than 100 samples have been collected from sixteen homes during these three sampling periods. The purpose of the indoor air sampling is to check for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may be present in the basements of homes at levels of health concern. The VOC of focus for the indoor air sampling is benzene because it is known to cause cancer in humans.

EPA Region VII used a benzene action level for long-term exposure of 7 parts-per-billion (ppb). Two homes had indoor levels of benzene above 7 ppb during the first round of sampling. Resampling in one of these homes over a total of four weeks showed that benzene levels subsided to less than 1 ppb. EPA was denied access to resample the second home. All benzene levels during the second round of sampling were less than 1 ppb. Results for the third round of sampling are not yet available.

All indoor air sampling results have been sent to the Agency of Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to be analyzed for risk to human health. Based on the first two rounds of air sampling results, ATSDR has not identified a health risk. ATSDR has not yet received the third round of indoor air sampling results. EPA will decide if more indoor air sampling is needed after the third round of sampling results are reviewed.

Outdoor Air Sampling by Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR)

In addition to investigating many complaints of odors in Sugar Creek over the past several months, the MDNR Division of Environmental Quality has taken samples of outdoor air twice. The purpose of this sampling is to determine if high levels of hazardous compounds such as benzene were in the outdoor air. Samples were collected in polished stainless steel canisters (known as SUMMA canisters). The canisters were then sent to a laboratory for chemical analysis of the contents. In addition, sampling was conducted using a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), a field unit with the capability of detecting a variety of compounds in real time. Results from these sampling were not unusual in comparison with sampling in other urban locations. Because of the public concern, however, additional sampling is planned to determine if hazardous air pollutants are a health concern for the residents living around AMOCO.

For more information call:

Karen Flournoy, EPA 7— for information on EPA activities
(913) 551-7003 or 1-800-223-0425

Terry Rowles, MDNR— for information on MDNR outdoor air sampling activities
573-751-4817

Denise Jordan-Izaguirri, ATSDR—for information on health risks
913-551-1310

Terrie Boguski, TOSC—for general information about air sampling or related topics
913-780-3328

Results of EPA Indoor Air Sampling

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