| Radon Health Risks |
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has drastically cut the maximum amount of radon -- a naturally occurring gas -- that should be permitted in homes because of strong evidence it causes lung cancer.
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Radon
is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to EPA estimates. Overall, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. About 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked
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The Surgeon General of the United States issued a Health Advisory in 2005 warning Americans about the health risk from exposure to radon in indoor air. The Nation’s Chief Physician urged Americans to test their homes to find out how much radon they might be breathing. Dr. Carmona also stressed the need to remedy the problem as soon as possible when the radon level is 4 pCi/L or more. Dr. Carmona noted that more than 20,000 Americans die...
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| Reducing Radon In Your Home |
EPA Recommends
- Test your home for radon — it's easy and inexpensive.
- Fix your home if your radon level is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher.
- Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a risk, and in many cases may be reduced
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EPA Recommends:
- If you are buying a home or selling your home, have it tested for radon.
- For a new home, ask if radon-resistant construction features were used and if the home has been tested.
- Fix the home if the radon level is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher.
- Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a risk, and in many cases, may be reduced.
- Take steps to prevent device interference when conducting a radon test.
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| Types of Radon Mitigation Systems |
Watch a video on Radon Mitigation Systems.
It's a problem that can find its way into any new home, and it accounts for an estimated 20,000 deaths each year. Odorless, tasteless, and radioactive, radon gas is an issue to be taken seriously by both builders and homeowners. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. (after smoking) and chances are, wherever you build, it could be right under your feet.
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The EPA's most recommended method for radon reduction. It has proven successful in small residential homes as well as large, multi-story buildings. Its long range success is dependent upon the quality of the installation and the design reflecting the construction characteristics of the building. Radon reduction is achieved by generating negative pressure under the slab floor.
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Similar to the interior system except that the piping is placed on the exterior of the building. The design of this system requires a thorough knowledge of construction and building techniques to insure that damage is not done to the foundation or the plumbing and electrical systems of the building. In most cases the exterior piping can be designed to blend esthetically with the exterior appearance of the building. This type of system is generally used when construction features prevent the installation of an interior ASD system.
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A home or building which has a crawlspace can be handled in two ways. One, to utilize a method called sub-membrane depressurization. This involves installing a network of 4 inch corrugated pipe on the surface of the dirt floor. Then covering the entire dirt floor of the crawlspace area with a polyethylene vapor barrier( plastic sheeting ). We recommend a 10 mil thickness. The four inch pipe then exits to the outside where it is attached to a radon exhaust fan. When installing the vapor barrier for best results we recommend over lapping any seams 12 inches and seal them with duct tape or spray adhesive. Seal the plastic around any pillar or pipe etc...Also we wrap the plastic up any wall at least 12 inches and seal it to the wall with either spray adhesive or urethane caulk. As with an ASD system the exhaust of the fan must vent above the roof line. When the fan is activated it will draw the radon from below the plastic before it can enter the crawlspace and the structure. The radon will vent above the roof where it will quickly dilute to the outside air. This is recommended for a structure with a crawlspace were the radon levels may be only slightly elevated,little ventilation exists and/or limited room to work. The idea is the same as the sub-membrane system except no vapor barrier is installed.The system shall remove the crawlspace air before it can enter the home through the floor.You may even install a network of 4-inch duct within the crawlspace when more than one cavity is present. The 4-inch duct would then attach to the intake side of the exhaust fan. The installation of additional vents creating more circulation of fresh air may work.This is always recommended first. You may even add a small ventilation fan to help circulate the air and introduce some fresh air. However be aware that in cold climates you may freeze the plumbing pipes.
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Installation of radon mitigation systems in commercial buildings require a more in-depth knowledge of construction and building techniques. The basic theory of radon reduction is the same as that applied to residential buildings. But since building codes and construction designs are much different, the mitigation contractor must be thoroughly knowledgeable of building codes and construction practices to avoid damaging the structure or violating the building's structural integrity. Often commercial builders of apartments, nursing homes and office buildings incorporate Radon Resistant Building Standards into their buildings during construction
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