Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a group of aromatic or chlorinated organic chemicals commonly found in manufactured products that have high vapor pressure, and thus vaporize readily at room temperature. While airshed VOCs are well studied and have provided insights into public health issues, we suggest that belowground VOCs and the related vapor intrusion process could be equally or even more relevant to public health. The persistence, movement, remediation, and human health implications of subsurface VOCs in urban landscapes remain relatively understudied despite evidence of widespread contamination. This review explores the state of the science of subsurface movement and remediation of VOCs through groundwater and soils, the linkages between these poorly understood contaminant exposure pathways and health outcomes based on research in various animal models, and describes the role of these contaminants in human health, focusing on birth outcomes, notably low birth weight and preterm birth. Finally, this review provides recommendations for future research to address knowledge gaps that are essential for not only tackling health disparities and environmental injustice in post-industrial cities, but also protecting and preserving critical freshwater resources.

Submit Manuscript | http://medcraveonline.com uses electric current (DC) to remove pollutants from a medium. It has been effective in removing organic and inorganic contaminants from the soils. 1

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Prior to joining Louisiana Tech, he earned his Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering) and Master of Technology (Chemical Engineering) in India. Later, he joined Texas A&M University and earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Civil (Environmental) Engineering. His research efforts are focused on water quality and issues related to treatment of wastewater using physical, chemical, biological and electro-chemical/kinetic processes. His broader research efforts have been in the area of application of geographic information systems to environmental management and sustainability, causes/effects of salinity in soils and corrosion of metal pipes. Dr. Tewari also has keen interest in STEM education, improving diversity in STEM areas, inclusion of hands-on and digital tools in curriculum.

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