There has been a lot of talk about radon lately. What is it? Is it harmful? How does someone get rid of it? We at Hanson Builders want to assure you that we take your health seriously and as such include a Passive Radon Reduction System in every one of our homes. The important thing to know is that Radon mitigation is very easy. Below are some common questions and answers about Radon.
1. What is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium in the soil. It is found in almost all soils, rock, and water throughout the US. Some areas have very little Radon, while others have high amounts. Radon has been identified by the EPA as a cause of lung cancer.
2. What are the properties of Radon?
Radon has no color, odor or taste.
3. How is Radon Measured?
Radon is measured in picoucuries per liter (pCi/l). The average indoor radon concentration is about 1.3 pC/l of air. The EPA recommends taking action to reduce concentrations over 4 pCi/l. The concentration of Radon measured in a house depends on many factors, including the design of the house, local geology, soil conditions and the weather.
Hanson Builders has periodically checked several homes in the communities we build in. So far, all test results have indicated levels to be in the "safe zone" where no further action was required.
4. If the levels are above 4.0 pCi/l how can the amount of Radon be lowered in my house?
Hanson Builders installs a "passive Radon reduction system" in every new home it builds starting in 2008 (see attached detail). I most cases, this passive mitigation system will keep levels below 4 pCi/l. If Radon levels become unacceptable (over 4.0 pCi/l) an exhaust fan can be added in the attic connected to the vent pipe. (An outlet and a light is installed for a future conversion.) By converting the "passive system" into an "active system" Radon concentrations will be reduced to an acceptable level. The conversion from passive to active is relatively easy and inexpensive.
5. Simple Reduction
Remember that Radon is simply a gas. Think of it as "bad" air. In addition to the passive system, if you run your HRV continuously on low, you will help to remove "bad" air and bring in a steady flow of fresh air from outside.
