Ensuring that your soil is safe!
Soil Vapor Testing
Our Soil Vapor Testing Services
Torrent Laboratory offers a full range of soil vapor testing services for environmental consultants, engineering firms, and property owners across California, Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam. Our lab supports every stage of a project, from initial screening to final regulatory reporting.
- Soil Vapor Testing
- Soil Vapor Intrusion Testing
- Soil Vapor Sampling Analysis
- TO-15 Testing
- TO-15 SIM Testing
- Ambient Air Testing
- Ambient Air Monitoring
This range of vapor testing options lets clients choose the method that fits their site conditions and reporting requirements.
Learn more about our full scope of work on the Environmental Testing Services.
Vapor Intrusion
Vapor intrusion (VI) is the migration of volatile chemical vapors from the subsurface into buildings. VI is a frequent problem at contaminated sites, and if uncontrolled, these chemical vapors can migrate into buildings and pose a risk to human health. Vapor migration in the subsurface, through building foundations, and within buildings is complex and influenced by many natural and human-caused factors.
Technical and regulatory publications have recently highlighted some of the challenges as well as the lessons learned from years of assessment of VI. Through the years state regulators and field practitioners have developed a range of methods to assess vapor migration and to predict if subsurface concentrations pose a risk to building occupants. This process has resulted in variable VI assessment from site to site.
Soil Vapor Testing
At Torrent, we offer two types of soil vapor intrusion sampling: regular and low-level reporting.
The regular TO-15 test method, which has reporting limits of around 0.5 ppbv, is sufficient for most soil vapor monitoring. For residential or commercial environmental screening levels (ESLs), we offer low-level reporting. We use the TO-15 SIM technique, a sensitive methodology that can report data at the 0.005 ppbv level, ideal for the most precise applications.
Ambient Air Testing
As air analysis has evolved, so have we. In addition to offering ambient air testing, we continually invest in new methods, technologies, and procedures to offer the most advanced testing available. We supply data for a range of air methods, including NIOSH, OSHA, ASTM, and EPA Air Compendium Methods (TO). Our unwavering commitment to quality is inspired by increasing environmental awareness and accountability, our clients’ needs, and our dedication to the continual advancement of testing and analysis.
Ambient Air Monitoring
For the most accurate results and for full remediation we offer ambient air monitoring services to give you full assurance and peace of mind.
Newest Technologies
We are always committed to working with you to provide you with the most innovative testing technologies available to us. In this way we will continually offer the best results for your vapor intrusion assessment project.
TO-15 vs. TO-15 SIM Comparison
Torrent offers TO-15 and TO-15 SIM analysis for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), with TO-15 SIM providing lower-level reporting for applications that require greater sensitivity. The table below shows when each method applies.
| Test Method | Best Application | Detection Limit | Typical Use | Turnaround Time |
| TO-15 | Standard soil vapor and vapor intrusion monitoring | Approximately 0.5 ppbv | Most site investigations | Standard lab TAT |
| TO-15 SIM | Low level, high sensitivity screening | Approximately 0.005 ppbv | Residential and commercial ESL comparisons | Standard TAT, rush available |
Soil Vapor Sampling Support
Torrent supports environmental consultants beyond the lab bench. We provide a range of soil vapor sampling programs.
- Certified sampling containers
- Chain of custody forms
- Laboratory analysis
- Quality assurance
- Electronic reporting
We supply canisters and documentation before a project starts, then handle testing and reporting once samples arrive.
Request supplies through our Canister Order form or submit your Chain of Custody paperwork online.
Our Laboratory Accreditations
Torrent Laboratory holds the certifications that matter most for regulatory-grade data:
- California ELAP
- DoD ELAP
- ISO/IEC 17025
- DOECAP
- Alaska CS-LAP
These accreditations are issued by state and federal oversight bodies, including the California State Water Resources Control Board, and confirm that our lab meets strict standards for accuracy and documentation.
Industries We Serve
Torrent Laboratory works with clients across a wide range of industries.
- Environmental Consultants
- Engineering Firms
- Government Agencies
- Industrial Facilities
- Brownfield Redevelopment Projects
- Military Installations
Whether you’re managing a single site assessment or a multi-phase remediation project, our team scales testing to match your scope.
Service Areas
Torrent Laboratory is based in Milpitas in the heart of the Bay Area and serves clients throughout the following locations.
- Bay Area
- Northern California
- Southern California
- Hawaii
- Alaska
- Guam
No matter where your project is located, our team can arrange sample pickup and shipping.
Request a Quote to get started.
Bio-accessible Metallic Contamination Testing
Evaluation of sediment contamination by heavy metals has typically been based on bulk sediment analysis. This tests the bio-availability of these contaminants in the soil and determines whether heavy metals are in concentrations that pose dangers to human health.
However, the amount of contaminants that the human body can truly access may be dependent upon the physical and chemical properties of the contaminant(s) as well as of the soil. Because bio-available concentrations of heavy metals are not equivalent to bio-accessible concentrations in the same sediment, determining the bioaccessibility of metal contaminants to the human body from site specific soils allows for a more refined estimation of risk assessment.
Testing is done by in vitro bioaccessibility assay (IVBA) which measures the amount of metals that would be leached from ingested soil at the low pH of the stomach. The “in vitro” method offers significant cost and time savings over the “in vivo” methods used for bioavailability tests. The IVBA has been demonstrated to be equally effective at determining bioavailability. Therefore one test can offer you accurate results for both metallic bioavailability and human bioaccessibility. Torrent has had success with all of the CAM17 metals that are analyzed by method EPA SW 6010 or 6020.
Low level testing of PAHs in soil
We offer 8270 and 8270 SIM testing for PAH (Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons) in soil and water. The 8270 test method has reporting limits that are generally around 0.5 ppbv, which in most cases is sufficient for soil and water monitoring.
If your testing results must compare against Residential or Commercial environmental screening levels (ESLs), you may be required to test soil and water with a more sensitive method that can report the data at 0.005 ppbv level. Generally, we meet these low-level reporting limits by performing the test using the 8270 SIM technique.
Pesticide testing
Pesticides don’t just harm pests. They’re known to have a range of adverse health effects in humans. Torrent offers testing for organochlorine and organophosphorus(true?) pesticides and herbicides.
Related Environmental Testing Services
- Air Testing
- PFAS Testing
- Drinking Water Testing
- Dioxins & Furans
- Waste Characterization
- Environmental Testing Services
Frequently Asked Questions About Soil Vapor Testing
What is soil vapor testing?
Soil vapor testing measures volatile organic compounds in the gas phase beneath a site to determine whether they pose a risk to buildings or people above.
What is soil vapor intrusion testing?
Soil vapor intrusion testing checks whether vapors from contaminated soil are migrating into indoor air through cracks, foundations, or utility lines.
What is soil vapor sampling?
Soil vapor sampling is the field process of collecting vapor samples in canisters for lab analysis, following a documented chain of custody.
What is the difference between TO-15 and TO-15 SIM?
TO-15 is the standard method for most soil vapor monitoring. TO-15 SIM offers a lower detection limit for residential and commercial screening levels.
What contaminants can soil vapor testing detect?
The method detects volatile organic compounds such as petroleum hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents, and other hazardous air pollutants.
How long does testing take?
Turnaround time depends on the method and any rush requirements. Contact our team for current lab turnaround estimates.
Does Torrent provide sampling support?
Yes. We supply certified sampling containers, chain of custody forms, and electronic reporting for every project.
Is Torrent Laboratory accredited?
Yes. Torrent holds California ELAP, DoD ELAP, ISO/IEC 17025, DOECAP, and Alaska CS-LAP accreditation.
Do you provide soil vapor testing across California?
Yes. We serve clients throughout Northern and Southern California, as well as the Bay Area, Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam.
How do I request a quote?
Submit a request through our Request a Quote form, or call our office directly.
Ready to Start Your Soil Vapor Testing Project?
Torrent Laboratory delivers accredited soil vapor and vapor intrusion testing backed by hands-on sampling support. Reach out to get pricing, timelines, and the right test method for your site.
