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Radon Mitigation System
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* THIS IS IMPORTANT: The CDC warns that you should fix houses with radon levels greater than 4 pCi/L. Levels between 2 and 3.9 pCi/L are considered higher than average and you should consider fixing if your level falls in that range. Anything below that is average.
Preventing and alleviating radon exposure
Now that you’re aware of radon, what are the next steps? In 2015, the EPA introduced the National Radon Action Plan to help reduce radon risk. Since its inception, the plan has helped decrease levels in five million homes and will end up saving
3,200 lives annually by 2020.
For starters, be aware of radon when you make your next move to a new neighborhood or when you build a new house. The EPA has a handy map to see which areas in each state are more prone to radon exposure. In Oklahoma, Zone 3 makes up most of the state, with predicted indoor radon screening levels less than 2 pCi/L. However, several counties in northeast Oklahoma and northwest Oklahoma fall in Zone 2, which are counties with predicted average indoor radon screening levels from 2 to 4 pCi/L.
*THIS IS IMPORTANT: The EPA reminds us that levels can vary even by neighborhood. No two houses are the same, so they recommend every household conduct testing.
For a new home, ask your contractor to use radon-resistance features. The up-front costs are minimal, as the EPA estimates they run between $250 and $750. Compare this to the ultimate cost of possibly developing lung cancer, and the decision is easy to be proactive. Radon-resistant home building includes:
• Gas permeable layer - Contractors place a layer of gravel under the slab or floor so gas can move more freely. You won’t be able to use this in houses with a crawlspace.
• Plastic sheeting - This goes on the gravel to help soil gas from entering the home.
• Sealing and caulking - This reduces the ability of soil gas to enter the home.
• Vent pipe - A gas-tight or PVC pipe runs from the base of your house to the roof, allowing radon and other gases to escape.
• Junction box - By installing this in your attic, it’s easier to hook up a vent so radon isn’t trapped in your home.
In the event your current house tests high for elevated levels of radon, some fixes could be DIY, including sealing and caulking cracks in the foundation, improving your home’s natural ventilation and creating room pressurization with fans.
However, the EPA recommends that you have a qualified radon mitigation contractor fix your home because it may need a radon mitigation system installed. A radon mitigation system consists of a vent pipe, fan and the proper sealing of cracks. This system collects radon gas from underneath the foundation and vents it to the outside of your home.
Contact your state radon office for a list of licensed radon mitigation professionals in your area. Detailed information about radon reduction in your home or building can be found in the EPA's Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction.
For starters, be aware of radon when you make your next move to a new neighborhood or when you build a new house. The EPA has a handy map to see which areas in each state are more prone to radon exposure. In Oklahoma, Zone 3 makes up most of the state, with predicted indoor radon screening levels less than 2 pCi/L. However, several counties in northeast Oklahoma and northwest Oklahoma fall in Zone 2, which are counties with predicted average indoor radon screening levels from 2 to 4 pCi/L.
*THIS IS IMPORTANT: The EPA reminds us that levels can vary even by neighborhood. No two houses are the same, so they recommend every household conduct testing.
For a new home, ask your contractor to use radon-resistance features. The up-front costs are minimal, as the EPA estimates they run between $250 and $750. Compare this to the ultimate cost of possibly developing lung cancer, and the decision is easy to be proactive. Radon-resistant home building includes:
• Gas permeable layer - Contractors place a layer of gravel under the slab or floor so gas can move more freely. You won’t be able to use this in houses with a crawlspace.
• Plastic sheeting - This goes on the gravel to help soil gas from entering the home.
• Sealing and caulking - This reduces the ability of soil gas to enter the home.
• Vent pipe - A gas-tight or PVC pipe runs from the base of your house to the roof, allowing radon and other gases to escape.
• Junction box - By installing this in your attic, it’s easier to hook up a vent so radon isn’t trapped in your home.
In the event your current house tests high for elevated levels of radon, some fixes could be DIY, including sealing and caulking cracks in the foundation, improving your home’s natural ventilation and creating room pressurization with fans.
However, the EPA recommends that you have a qualified radon mitigation contractor fix your home because it may need a radon mitigation system installed. A radon mitigation system consists of a vent pipe, fan and the proper sealing of cracks. This system collects radon gas from underneath the foundation and vents it to the outside of your home.
Contact your state radon office for a list of licensed radon mitigation professionals in your area. Detailed information about radon reduction in your home or building can be found in the EPA's Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction.
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