Radon Control: Effective Strategies To Reduce Radon Levels

Radon is a naturally occurring, colourless, and odourless radioactive gas that can be found in high concentrations in indoor environments, such as homes and workplaces. It is released from bedrock material and passes through the soil, and can enter buildings through cracks and drains in foundations, as well as building materials like concrete and granite countertops. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and it is estimated that it causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States each year. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends installing a radon reduction or mitigation system if the radon level is at or above 4 picocuries per litre (pCi/L) of air. This can be achieved through various methods such as soil depressurization systems, sealing foundation cracks, and increasing indoor ventilation.

Test radon levels in your home

Radon is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless radioactive gas that can build up in homes and buildings over time. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer, which has a five-year survival rate of 55% if caught early, which only happens 16% of the time. The only way to know if you have high radon levels in your home is to test for it. Radon testing can be completed by a radon tester or by using a DIY radon test kit from a hardware store. Here are some ways to test radon levels in your home:

Use a DIY Radon Test Kit

Radon test kits can be purchased online or from hardware stores. Long-term kits that measure radon levels in your home for over 90 days are recommended as they provide a year-round average level. The longer the test, the better the results will reflect your home radon levels and your lifestyle. The test kit will come with instructions on how to set it up and where to send the device to get the results. Make sure to place the device in the basement or the lowest level of your home, raised three feet off the ground. If you are using an electronic radon monitor (ERM), choose one that has passed the C-NRPP performance testing.

Hire a Radon Tester

If you would rather not use a DIY kit, you can hire a certified radon tester to perform the test for you. Ensure that they are qualified and will conduct a long-term test of at least three months. You can contact your state radon office or one of the EPA's national radon proficiency programs to find a qualified professional.

Test During the Heating Season

Radon levels vary from day to day and season to season, with the highest levels typically occurring during the winter when homes are sealed more tightly. Warmer indoor air during winter also pulls more radon gas inside. Therefore, it is best to test during the heating season for at least 91 days to get an accurate picture of your home's radon levels.

Retest After Making Changes

If your radon levels are high, implement recommended changes such as increasing ventilation and sealing cracks in your home. Always test again after making these changes to ensure that the radon levels have been reduced. Additionally, consider retesting your home every two years and after any remodelling or renovation work.

Install a radon reduction system

Radon is a serious health risk, and there are several steps you can take to reduce its presence in your home. Radon is an invisible, odourless, and radioactive gas that can build up in homes and buildings over time. The gas is released naturally from rocks, soil, and water, and can enter homes through small cracks or holes in the foundation.

If your radon levels are at or above 4 pCi/L of air, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends contacting a qualified professional to install a radon reduction system. This process is also known as radon mitigation.

• The first step is to identify the best suction point in your basement slab. Generally, the center of the basement is ideal, but you should consider the layout and any obstacles in your space.
• After identifying the spot, you need to create a hole and dig a pit beneath the slab. The size of the pit depends on the type of soil you have. For granular soil, a small pit will suffice, while denser soil may require a larger pit of about 20 inches in diameter. A larger pit guarantees a more extensive area for air collection, which is crucial for effective radon reduction.
• Install the vent pipe system and fan, which will pull radon from beneath the house and vent it outside. This system is known as soil depressurization and is very effective in reducing radon levels.
• Seal any foundation cracks and openings with appropriate materials such as plaster or caulk to make the system more efficient and cost-effective.
• After installation, test your radon detection to ensure it is working correctly. Use a smoke pencil to check for good suction at test holes. Seal the test holes after confirming that your system is functioning properly.
• Regularly monitor the system for any issues. Inspect visible portions for damage or leaks, listen for unusual noises from the fan, and keep an eye on the manometer readings.
• Retest your home for radon levels after installation and periodically every two years to ensure the system is working effectively.

It is important to note that radon mitigation often requires a license, so hiring a certified professional is advisable and may be necessary. They can ensure the system complies with local codes and provide warranties for their work. Additionally, the cost of a mitigation system may vary depending on several factors, including the home's design, size, and local climate.

Seal cracks and openings in the foundation

Radon is a radioactive gas that can seep into homes through cracks in walls and foundations. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and there is no safe level of radon exposure. Therefore, it is vital to take steps to reduce radon levels in your home. One critical step is to seal any cracks and openings in the foundation.

To effectively seal cracks in your home's foundation, follow these steps:

Inspect for Cracks: Use a flashlight to inspect dark corners, walls, foundations, doors, windows, and vent screens for gaps, cracks, or signs of pest activity, such as droppings or nesting materials. Small cracks in the foundation can be entry points for radon and insects, so it's important to identify them.

Clean the Crack: Once you've identified the cracks, use a wire brush and vacuum to remove any debris, ensuring the area is clean before applying any sealant.

Choose the Right Sealant: Select a sealant designed for this purpose, such as plaster, caulk, polyurethane, or epoxy-based sealants. Epoxy coatings are thick and non-porous, creating a more holistic solution by preventing radon transmission and improving the cleanliness and durability of your concrete slab.

Apply the Sealant: Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and apply the sealant thoroughly to create a solid barrier. Ensure you fill the crack completely. For best results, apply the sealant in dry conditions.

Regularly Inspect and Maintain: Regularly inspect the sealed areas to ensure their integrity. Conduct seasonal maintenance, as weather changes can cause new damage. Keep your home clean and store food in sealed containers to prevent pest infestations.

By sealing cracks and openings in the foundation, you can effectively reduce radon intrusion, enhance home safety, and protect your family's health. Remember to test your home's radon levels before and after sealing to ensure the effectiveness of your mitigation efforts.

Increase ventilation

Radon is a colourless, odourless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally in rocks, soil, and water. It can enter homes and buildings through cracks or holes in foundations, or through water from a well. Over time, breathing in high levels of radon can increase the risk of lung cancer.

Even if your radon levels are not above 4 pCi/L, it is recommended to increase ventilation and seal cracks in your home. Here are some ways to increase ventilation:

Open Windows, Doors, and Vents

Opening windows, doors, and vents on the lower floors can increase ventilation and mix outdoor air with indoor air containing radon, thereby reducing radon levels. However, once these are closed, radon concentrations will usually return to previous values within 12 hours. Therefore, natural ventilation should be considered a temporary solution.

Fans and Vents

Using fans and vents can help circulate air and reduce radon levels. A simple and cost-effective method is to add a vent pipe and junction box, which can even be wired for an electric venting fan if needed to activate the radon mitigation system.

Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRV)

An HRV, also called an air-to-air heat exchanger, increases ventilation while reducing heating and cooling costs compared to ventilation without heat recovery. An HRV can be designed to ventilate all or part of your home, with the basement being the most efficient area to target.

Soil Depressurization

A soil depressurization system uses a vent pipe and fan to draw radon from beneath the house and vent it outdoors. This method does not require major changes to your home, but it is more effective and cost-efficient when combined with sealing foundation cracks and other openings.

It is important to note that increasing ventilation alone may not be sufficient to reduce radon levels significantly, and more comprehensive solutions may be required for effective radon mitigation.

Consult a qualified professional

Radon is a serious issue that can lead to harmful health effects, including lung cancer. If you suspect high radon levels in your home, it is important to consult a qualified professional to advise on and implement radon reduction methods.

Firstly, it is recommended to test your home for radon levels. Radon test kits are available, and results can be sent to a lab for analysis. The test should be conducted for a minimum of 48 hours, but longer tests will give a better estimate of exposure. If your home radon level is at or above 4 pCi/L of air, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends contacting a qualified professional to install a radon reduction system.

When hiring a radon professional, it is important to do your research. Ensure they are licensed and insured, and ask for their certification. Check for certification from organizations such as the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP), the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB), or your state's radon office. Ask for references from previous customers, and check online reviews. Get multiple estimates from different companies, including the scope of work, cost of materials and labor, and warranty information.

Once you have chosen a qualified professional, they will assess your home and determine the best radon reduction method. This could include sealing cracks in the foundation floor and installing a vent pipe and fan system to draw radon from beneath the house and vent it outdoors. They may also recommend radon-resistant construction techniques, such as plastic sheeting, foundation sealing, and caulking, to prevent radon from entering the home.

It is important to note that lowering high radon levels requires technical knowledge and special skills. Working with a qualified professional will ensure that the job is done correctly and safely, reducing the risk of radon exposure for you and your family.

Frequently asked questions