Measuring Vapor Intrusion: From Source Science Politics to a Transdisciplinary Approach

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science and Engineering
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• Risk Assessment

Background:

• Indoor air quality investigations are increasing, with a focus on vapor intrusion (VI).
• Vapor intrusion, the transport of subsurface vapors into indoor air, is challenging to characterize.
• Regulatory bodies seek improved science-based understanding of VI pathways and exposures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the science and policy surrounding vapor intrusion (VI).
• To critique the current 'source science politics' in VI studies.
• To propose a transdisciplinary approach for VI research and community engagement.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing VI science and policy.
• Development of a critique of current VI research paradigms.
• Conceptualization of a transdisciplinary framework integrating social and environmental sciences.

Main Results:

• Current VI studies often overlook the social and political context of VI issues.
• A 'source science politics' framework is identified as a limitation in VI research.
• A transdisciplinary approach offers a more holistic understanding of VI.

Conclusions:

• Effective vapor intrusion (VI) management requires integrating social science perspectives.
• Collaboration with impacted communities and social scientists is crucial for advancing VI science.
• Cultivating epistemic empathy can improve VI risk assessment and communication.