Radon in air is present everywhere both outdoors and indoors and in buildings of all kinds. It is recommended that if the indoor atmosphere has radon level of 4 pCi/L (pico Curies per Liter) or more you need to get it fixed. Although, there are no known safe levels of exposure to radon, it is recommended to have radon levels between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L as per EPA.
It is of great risk to live with radon as Radon gas decomposes into radioactive particles that easily are trapped in your lungs while breathing. These radioactive particles break down further damaging the lung tissues that eventually become cancerous.
The idea is to lower the radon gas levels in your homes, offices, and schools even though there are no estimated safe levels of radon but obviously, risks can be reduced to some extend by keeping its levels low.
Five basic features that builders, as per EPA, should incorporate in their construction method to prevent radon from entering a building are:
1. Gravel: Using a 4-inch deposit of clean, coarse gravel under the slab/foundation to facilitate free movement and circulation of all soil gases including radon and the gases do not move upwards by use of this gravel airflow level.
2. Plastic Sheeting as Vapor Retarder: Heavy-duty plastic sheeting at least 6-millimeter thick polyethylene or a vapor retarder covering the gravel to contain the soil gases in the gravel layer and also does not allow the concrete poured for foundation laying to seep into the gravel airflow layer and clog it.
3. Vent Pipe: A 3 to 4 inch solid PVC Schedule 40 pipe installed vertically from the gravel layer, fixed by pouring concrete, and then passed through the house out from the roof. This way all soil gases and radon are vented outside the house into the atmosphere. This vent pipe should have a label saying 'Radon System' and can be installed by a plumber or certified radon professional.
4. Sealing and Caulking: Sealing of the crevices and cracks in the floor and walls of the foundation floor, as well as polyurethane caulk helps preventing radon and other soil gases seepage.
5. Junction Box: An electrical junction box/outlet can be installed in the attic to be used with a vent fan after testing for radon as it makes a much robust system for preventing radon accumulation in the building.
About Tri-State Basement Repair:
Tri State Basement Repair, LLC provides basement repair, basement waterproofing, crawl space waterproofing, residential and commercial foundation repair, and sump pump repair and installation. Locally owned and operated, we provide one-on-one service to families and businesses in the areas of Madison, Milwaukee. For any of your sump pumps Wisconsin Dells needs remember we are just a call away.