The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now offering an online resource tool for local governments, neighborhood associations and property owners to evaluate sources and minimize the risks of vapor intrusion from historical dry-cleaning operations in their communities.

For much of the 1900s, dry cleaning was a common business especially in Iarge cities where the service could be found on almost every commercial block. The disposal or spilling of cleaning solvents used by historical dry cleaners, long before current waste management laws were in effect, may have resulted in chemical vapors in the ground that can migrate into present-day buildings.

The DNR’s new online resource tool includes information about the health risks associated with vapor intrusion, and Through the Cracks, a step-by-step manual developed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) with input from vapor intrusion specialists at the DNR. Through the Cracks contains easy to follow instructions to identify where former dry cleaners were located, how to assess the potential vapor intrusion risk at or near those locations and advice on ways to mitigate exposure to those vapors.

Community members can access the DNR’s Vapor Intrusion Prevention and Partnership Toolkit here.