Radon Mitigation
Removing Radon from Your Home
If you have determined that the radon level in your environment needs to be reduced, you have several options.
Short Term Solution
Open your windows!
If you are experiencing high levels of radon, try to keep the windows on the lower level of your home open as much as possible while waiting for the radon mitigation work to be completed.
Hire a Professional
Qualified radon mitigation
contractors are available across the country. Some states require
contractors maintain a state license, so you may want to contact your
state radon office for a list of qualified
individuals. Although most states do not require licenses, it is very
important to use a properly-trained mitigator. The National Environmental
Health Association (NEHA) administers a voluntary National Radon
Proficiency Program (NRPP) for radon professionals who want to take
training courses and examinations to demonstrate their competency. The
NEHA NRPP website maintains lists of certified radon mitigators, radon
measurement service providers, and analytical laboratories.
We at Radon Be Gone have been doing Radon Mitigation in California and Nevada for Over 28 Years! Contact Us for a Free Consultation for your Radon Mitigation Needs.
Methods of Radon Mitigation
Some natural ventilation occurs in all houses. By opening windows, doors, and vents on the lower floors you increase the ventilation in your house. This increase in ventilation mixes outdoor air with the indoor air containing radon, and can result in reduced radon levels. However, once windows, doors and vents are closed, radon concentrations most often return to previous values within about 12 hours.
For a more permanent solution, there are a variety of approaches to solving radon issues. Modern energy efficient construction that conserves energy by making homes air tight often exacerbates the risks of radon exposure. Less tightly constructed homes with greater air leaks are often just as likely to present elevated risks.
Radon in Air
For most homes, the mitigator will follow three steps to reduce airborne radon: diagnostic evaluation; sealing; and installation of the radon reduction system.
The most common approaches are active soil depressurization (ASD), formerly called sub-slab depressurization (SSD) and mechanical ventilation (MV). Experience has shown that neither is applicable to all buildings with radon problems. The radon mitigator will design the right system for your home, depending on its design, the underlying soil, and other factors.
ASD is the most reliable approach. It works by drawing the radon from below the house and venting it through a pipe, or pipes, to the air above the house where it is quickly diluted. One or more suction pipes are inserted through the floor slab into the crushed rock or soil underneath. Pipe may also be inserted below the concrete slab from outside the house. The number and location of suction pipes needed depends on how easily air can move in the crushed rock or soil under the slab, and on the strength of the radon source. Often, only a single suction point is needed. Usually, the suction pipes are be routed in the interior of the home, through the garage or closets, to the exterior.
Other approaches include:
- Sealing cracks or other openings in concrete slab floors, basement foundations, water drainage systems
- House Pressurization - using fans to blow enough air into the lowest levels of the house to keep the radon out.
- Heat Recovery Ventilator - increases ventilation by bringing outside air into the home while using the heated or cooled air being exhausted to warm or cool the incoming air.
Ventilation systems can utilize a heat exchanger or energy recovery ventilator to recover part of the energy otherwise lost in the process of exchanging air with the outside. Homes built on a crawl space can benefit from a radon collector installed under a radon barrier (a sheet of plastic that covers the crawl space).
Radon in Water
For most waterborne radon problems the mitigator will: assess the waterborne radon level; recommend full water analysis to check for other contaminants; check the water flow rate; and determine the best system location, taking into consideration plumbing, electrical and venting requirements as well as your preferences.
There are two most commonly used types of waterborne radon reduction systems: aeration and granular activated carbon (GAC). The EPA does not recommend GAC for waterborne radon levels above 5,000 pCi/L.
The aeration method is considered by the EPA to be the best. It does not pose the threat of waste buildup that other methods, such as GAC, might pose. Aeration separates the radon gas from the well water, then vents the contaminants safely above the roofline.
A GAC system uses one or more carbon beds/tanks to absorb the radon. When properly installed and serviced, it can be effective. If improperly used or if the tanks are left in place too long, the carbon can become ineffective and/or a source of radioactivity. The beds/tanks must be replaced annually.
Keep Checking
You should also test your home after it is fixed to be sure that radon levels have been reduced. Most soil suction radon reduction systems include a monitor that will indicate whether the system is operating properly. In addition, it's a good idea to retest your home every two years to be sure radon levels remain low.
