Radon is present in every home, wherever state you are living right now. Since radon levels vary from house to house, it is crucial to test your home for radon. This is because it is the only way to find out whether your house has high radon levels or not. Besides, no matter what the result is, it is crucial to aim for a radon-resistant home because it is the only thing that guarantees low risks of lung cancer. Suppose you are considering doing a radon test; which area should you prioritize? If you don’t know the answer, we’re here to explain everything you need to know about radon and basements.
The Truth About Radon and Basements
Some homeowners overlook the basements when testing their homes for radon. Little do they know that these areas are prone to high radon levels. You might ask, “What causes high radon levels in the basements?” Know that radon comes from decaying Uranium, found in rock and soil beneath the foundation of your home. Since the basement is under your house, it is one of the main entry points of the cancer-causing gas. It is crucial to keep your basements radon-free because it might pose dangers to you and your family’s health.
Radon and basements are linked to each other because the gas enters via parts of the basement, especially when exposed to earth like sump wells and drains. Radon can also enter through the naturally porous concrete foundation of the basement. Not only that, but certain conditions inside your basement can contribute to the radon level. For instance, when the pressure inside your basement varies from the pressure outside, more air is drawn forcefully between the high and low-pressure areas. As such, more air from the rock and soil beneath your home create high radon levels.
How to Prevent Radon From Basements
There are several radon reduction techniques that you can do to lower radon levels in your basements, such as:
Install, replace, or seal the sump well cover to reduce your radon levels. Doing so closes up an exposed area of the earth with direct access into your basement.
If the weather is nice out, make sure to open your windows and doors to allow radon gas to dissipate with the fresh air.
When extreme high and low temperatures are present, consider cooling or heating your house as little as possible. This way, you can reduce the pressure increase from the drastic indoor/outdoor temperature change.
Radon is a harmful gas, and the problem with it is you cannot see or even smell it. Besides, radon levels from one area to another, that’s why it is crucial to conduct radon testing, especially in your basement. Radon and basements are related because you can find this gas in the said area. Make sure to follow the tips above to make your basement and every area in your home radon-free.
As parents, the love for your family is incomparable, no matter how hard the situation gets. That’s why you do everything to protect your loved ones, most especially your children. But sometimes, it is not a person that can hurt them. Little do some parents know that there is an invisible enemy that families face every day, and that is radon. This radioactive gas cannot be seen and touched. You can’t even smell or taste it, making this enemy hard to find. What makes radon an enemy is it can cause cancer, and according to the World Health Organization, it is the second to the leading cause of the deadly disease. If you want to protect your family from radon, learning some tips to decrease radon levels at home is crucial.
4 Radon Reduction Tips
Consider the following steps to protect your family from radon:
If you are newlywed, or your family decides to move to a new city, there’s a high chance that you will buy a new home. Whether you are purchasing a new house or selling your home, the United States Environmental Protection Agency recommends that you test it for radon. This way, you can identify the radon levels and assess whether your home has high radon levels or not. Once you know the level, you can plan on the next steps to lower it.
When buying a new one, ask the relator if it is already tested for radon. If not, follow the first tip. You may also ask what radon-resistant construction features have been used.
Once the radon test result has arrived, and the radon level is four picocuries per liter, or pCi/L, or higher, make sure to ask your contractor to apply radon-resistant features to your home. Doing this may require you to spend money, but it is one way to protect your family from radon. It would be better to have radon-resistant homes because radon levels less than four pCi/L still pose a risk.
It would be best to discourage any member of your family from smoking because it significantly increases the risk of lung cancer from radon. If it can not be avoided, make sure not to smoke indoors to prevent secondhand smoking’s adverse effects.
Make sure to open the windows and use the fans and vents to improve air ventilation. Though natural ventilation is a temporary strategy, it can still help in radon reduction.
The existence of radon may seem inevitable, but you can prevent its level from increasing. By following the tips above and applying the precautionary measure, you can prevent yourself and your family from inhaling this cancer-causing gas. Not only can you keep yourself away from this radioactive gas, but you can also protect your family from radon. Besides your home, make sure that where you work or where your children study is also safe. You may address the issues once you find out that your place or your children’s school has high radon levels. Remember, cancer is a deadly disease, and you can reduce your risks by lowering the radon levels in the places where you and your family stay most of the time.
Are you planning to buy a house somewhere in the United States? Or are you moving to a different state? Whether you are considering building a new house or living in a ready-built home, it is essential to know that you have several things to consider, such as radon testing. Remember, radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas that can be found on soil and water. If the house where you live is located in an area where there are high radon levels, you might put your health in danger. Besides, there are states that require radon testing for homes.
Why is Radon Testing Important?
Radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it hard for people to know where it is. But what makes it dangerous is the particles created that can cause lung cancers and other respiratory diseases. This radioactive gas is present in the environment. But the problem is that radon levels become higher when it is present indoors. Therefore, there is a need for radon testing to ensure that every home and building is free from this cancer-causing gas.
Since radon is the second-leading cause of cancer in the United States, many states developed laws to ensure public safety. They have regulations that govern radon disclosure, radon certification, and radon mitigation. Some states also set mandatory radon testing provisions in homes and schools. This way, they can detect those places where there are high radon levels.
Thirty-seven states require disclosure during real estate transactions. Among these states include Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. These states require disclosure through specific laws/regulations or their Real Estate Commission/Board.
Seven states do not have any radon disclosure form, whether through legislative means or the Association of Realtors. These states are Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, North Dakota, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Four states require tenant disclosure by the landlord. These states include are Colorado, Florida, Illinois, and Maine.
Twenty-five states have radon certification laws. Among these states are California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Maine, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Four states require testing in high priority buildings. These states are Illinois, Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.
Nine states require testing in daycare centers. These states include Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Idaho, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Rhode Island.
Thirteen states require testing in schools. Among these states include Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Eighteen states have radon mitigation laws. These states are California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Maine, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia.
Eleven states require radon-resistant new construction. These are California, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, and West Virginia.
Twelve states require a public education program or radon awareness program. They are California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin
Eleven states impose civil penalties for misrepresenting radon readings. These include California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Eleven states impose criminal penalties for misrepresenting radon readings. They are Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, and West Virginia.
Five states — Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska, and Ohio — impose criminal and civil penalties for misrepresenting radon readings.
No matter where you are planning to live, it is crucial to know the radon state laws. Doing so can help you understand what to do before buying or relocating to the house. Not only can it help you take actions in decreasing radon levels at your new home. But it can also help you in avoiding penalties, especially from those states that require radon testing.
When building a house, homeowners consider several things. Among these is how huge the building would be, how many bedrooms the structure can accommodate, where to place the kitchen area, and many more. Sometimes, environmental concerns are not prioritized. Homeowners should pay more attention to creating a safe home and environment rather than the structure’s aesthetics. To ensure that the air you will breathe at home is safe, building a radon-resistant home is essential.
How Radon Is Produced
For those who have never heard of what radon is, know that it is a kind of radioactive gas that comes from the soil. This gas is produced through the uranium breakdown that is present in most rocks and soil. As radon breaks down, it emits atomic particles that are incorporated in the air people breathe, posing risks to human health. Once a person is exposed to radon, it can increase the risk of respiratory diseases such as lung cancer.
The radon indoors is more harmful than the radioactive gas that you can find outside the home. It is because this chemical is diluted in the open air, but it could stay indoors. Radon can build up to dangerous levels at home, mainly if this gas is not eradicated. If a person inhales radon, its particles’ energy can change the DNA cell, increasing the risks of lung cancer.
How Radon Enters Your Home
The radioactive gas enters the house through the little openings and cracks in the foundation. It is where creating a radon-resistant home takes a vital role. If the house structure blocks this chemical, you can ensure that you and your loved ones are safe from inhaling this harmful chemical. If the house is not radon-resistant, then there’s a higher chance of having this toxic chemical inside the building.
The air pressure between the inside of a building and the soil surrounding it also plays a significant role in radon entry. For instance, radon will remain outside if the house’s air pressure is greater than the ground beneath it. If the air pressure of the building is lower than its surrounding soil, the radon gas will enter the home. It is essential to keep the pressure inside the house higher than the soil because if not, the building will act like a vacuum that sucks all the radon.
Things to Consider Before Building A Radon-Resistant Home
Before you talk to your builder and design a radon-resistant home, it is crucial to find the best location. Remember, radon comes from the soil; that’s why an area’s geology is a significant factor when building a house. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) collaborated with state and federal geologists to design maps that can predict every region’s potential radon levels.
The areas in the maps are labeled from Zone 1 to Zone 3. Zone 1 refers to places where the radon is potentially high. Meanwhile, Zone 3 consists of areas where radioactive gas is potentially low. It doesn’t mean that you cannot build houses in Zone 1 sites. If you are planning to construct a building there, you can include a radon control system. It is more affordable to add it to the total costs while building it rather than install the system after the house is built.
Here’s a map that can help you identify if your new house will be built in any of the three zones.
Radon-Resistant Home: Construction Tips and Techniques
You don’t need to be an expert in house building to create a radon-resistant home. Know that creating a radon-resistant house sometimes has simple techniques that are familiar to builders. Following the simple methods are sufficient enough to deter radon from entering the building. Here are some strategies to consider:
Install a layer of clean gravel or place it beneath the flooring system.
Place a four-inch layer of clean and coarse gravel below the foundation (slab). This layer allows radon and other soil gases to move freely underneath the house, creating an airflow layer or gas-permeable layer. If the gravel is too expensive or unnecessary in your area, you may consider perforated pipe and collection mat as alternatives.
Place polyethylene sheeting on top of the gravel layer.
Another technique to consider is installing a heavy-duty plastic sheeting or a vapor retarder on top of the gravel. Doing so prevents the radioactive gas from entering your home. Aside from that, it also keeps the concrete from clogging the gravel layer, especially when the slab is poured.
Install a gas-tight venting pipe starting from the gravel layer through the building to the roof.
You may install a three-inch or four-inch reliable PVC Schedule 40 pipe vertically from the gravel layer through the house’s conditioned space and roof. Doing so will help in safely venting the radon and other soil gases outside the home.
Ensure that the foundation is thoroughly sealed and caulked.
Make sure that all the cracks and little openings in the concrete foundation floor and walls are sealed and caulked. If so, the harmful soil gases will be prevented from entering your home.
Passive Radon System vs Active Radon System
These techniques make up a passive radon system. Sometimes, these construction techniques are enough to replace the vacuum effect that most houses experience. The passive radon system blocks the radon from entering by creating a pressure barrier. However, there could be instances when the passive radon system is not enough to prevent radon entry. If this is the case, an active radon system is recommended.
An active radon system is done by installing a fan that pulls the radon gas from the soil into the vent pipe. The radioactive gas is then exhausted outside the house. You can talk to your builder about which of the active to passive radon systems would work best for your home. As radon experts, they can help you identify which construction techniques can be applied in building the house, keeping you and your family safe from the radioactive gas.
As someone who plans to build a house, you must consider several factors to ensure that the building is safe from harmful gases like radon. You may talk to your builder and design a home using radon-resistant construction techniques. If the passive radon system is not enough, you may consider the active radon system. No matter what you use, what matters most is the safety of your family. Therefore, make sure that you will have a radon-resistant home.
Having a home that you can call your own is indeed fulfilling. No wonder many people work hard to buy their dream house. If you are already planning to buy it, for sure, you only want what is best. Sometimes, home buyers focus on the structure’s aesthetics, not knowing that there are more critical things to consider. Among these is making the house radon-free. Know that radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas. Therefore, it is vital to buy a radon-resistant home that can help you reduce the risks of getting respiratory diseases.
Why Buy A Radon-Resistant House?
As someone who has saved money to buy a home, you deserve what is best for you and your family. That’s why, as a home buyer, you need to focus on your family’s safety. In the past years and even today, some houses might contain radon. It is a radioactive gas that you cannot see, smell, or taste. As a result, it is hard to determine whether your home is free from this gas or not. But through radon testing, you can identify what radon level the house has.
Whether you are buying an old house or a ready-made one, it is crucial to know if it is a radon-resistant home. If the result of the radon testing is high, there are ways to lower it. In this way, you can ensure that the house is safe from this cancer-causing radioactive gas. If the home is built from scratch, then certain features should be considered to ensure that it is free from harmful gas.
Besides, buying a house that is radon-free offers several advantages. Not only can it help you achieve a safer and healthier environment, but it is also cost-effective. For instance, if you are building a home from scratch, you can ask the contractors to make it energy-efficient. There are radon-resistant techniques that can also save energy costs. Aside from that, upgrading the features to keep your home radon-free is cheaper when it is already installed during the construction.
Radon-Resistant Home: Features to Consider
Even if you are not an expert in building the best house, you can familiarize yourself with the features to make it radon-free. You may talk with the housing developer to achieve it. The question is, what makes a house radon-free? Here are some features:
Gas-Permeable Layer
This feature allows the soil gas to move freely underneath your house. That’s why it is placed beneath the slab or flooring system. Take note that the gas-permeable layer should not be used in structures with crawl space foundations. Meaning, it can only be utilized in houses with basement and slab-on-grade foundations. Usually, the material used in adding a gas-permeable layer is a four-inch layer of clean gravel.
Junction Boxes
A junction box is installed in the attic, making the wiring and vent fan installation easier. Another junction box is placed in the living area that powers the vent fan alarm. It signals if the vent fan is not operating correctly.
Plastic Sheeting
Another feature of a radon-resistant home is plastic sheeting. It is installed on top of the gas-permeable layer and under the slab. With plastic sheeting, the soil gas will not be able to enter the home. Consider placing the sealed sheeting over the crawlspace floor.
Sealing
Sealing all the below-grade openings in the foundations of the walls is crucial. Doing so prevents soil gas from entering the home.
Vent Pipe
A PVC pipe that measures three or four inches should run from the gas-permeable layer through the house to the roof. Having these vent pipes Safely pushes the radon and other soil gases outside.
It is essential to know that a radon-resistant home’s features vary from the foundations and sites that will be used when building a house. It would be better to ask the contractor what approach they are using. The elements listed above are the essential elements that a radon-free house has. There could be more features depending on how the building will be built.
Once your house is already built, make sure to conduct radon testing. Doing so ensures that no harmful gases are left at home. Consider radon testing every two years. It is because even if your home is built with radon-resistant features, there could still be radon flow that might increase over time. If radon is detected and considered high, you may contact a radon contractor to solve this issue.
Your house should be a place where you and your family can feel safe and relaxed. Aside from making the interiors cozy, it is crucial to make it radon-free. This way, you can guarantee that you have low risks of acquiring respiratory diseases such as lung cancer. Building a radon-resistant home ensures that you and your loved ones are safe from harmful radioactive gases.
