Radon Protection Technologies

Types of Systems

Radon Mitigation Active Soil Depressurization Interior Installation

Active Soil Depressurization Exterior Installation

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.

CRAWLSPACE Sub-Membrane Depressurization

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.

Commercial Mitigation Applications

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

The U.S. Surgeon General, Richard Carmona, Issues National Health Advisory

The Surgeon General of the United States issued a Health Advisory in January, 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 of radon-related lung cancer each year.

Studies Find Direct Evidence Linking Radon in Homes to Lung Cancer

(January 29, 2005 and March 16, 2005) Two studies show definitive evidence of an association between residential radon exposure and lung cancer. Two studies, a North American study and a European study, both combined data from several previous residential studies. These two studies go a step beyond earlier findings. They confirm the radon health risks predicted by occupational studies of underground miner’s who breathed radon for a period of years. Early in the debate about radon-related risks, some researchers questioned whether occupational studies could be used to calculate risks from exposure to radon in the home environment. “These findings effectively end any doubts about the risks to Americans of having radon in their homes,” said Tom Kelly, Director of EPA’s Indoor Environments Division. “We know that radon is a carcinogen. This research confirms that breathing low levels of radon can lead to lung cancer.”

Exposure to Radon Causes Lung Cancer In Non-smokers and Smokers Alike

Lung cancer kills thousands of Americans every year. The untimely deaths of Peter Jennings and Dana Reeve have raised public awareness about lung cancer, especially among people who have never smoked. Smoking, radon, and secondhand smoke are the leading causes of lung cancer. Although lung cancer can be treated, the survival rate is one of the lowest for those with cancer. From the time of diagnosis, between 11 and 15 percent of those afflicted will live beyond five years, depending upon demographic factors. In many cases lung cancer can be prevented; this is especially true for radon.