What is Radon?

Radon gas is a byproduct of the natural decay of uranium found in the soil. This decay process emits Alpha, Gamma, and Beta radiation. When inhaled, the Alpha particles in radon gas can cause significant damage to the lungs, leading to lung cancer in both humans and animals.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon-induced lung cancer is responsible for over 20,000 American deaths each year, which is twice the number of deaths caused by drunk driving. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, following smoking.

Radon is colorless, odorless, and undetectable by human senses. Testing is the only way to determine if radon is present in a home. Radon Delete uses CRM (Continuous Radon Monitors) to measure radon levels in the air over 48 hours and hourly readings for humidity, pressure, and temperature. A detailed report is generated and presented immediately after the test.

Radon Delete is AARST-NRPP certified to provide reliable radon testing that is valid for real estate transactions.

Zone 1 Radon Area

Central Kentucky is classified as a Zone 1 radon area, the highest possible zone rating. In these areas, 100% of structures are expected to test above the EPA’s recommended mitigation guideline of 4.0 pCi/L. For comparison, the national average radon level is 1.3 pCi/L.

Central Kentucky’s high radon levels are due to the abundance of uranium in the soil and unique geological features, including extensive cave systems and porous limestone rock. These features create efficient pathways for soil gas to enter homes. Additionally, homes with basements and crawl spaces in Central Kentucky tend to have higher radon levels than slab-on-grade foundations.

How Does Radon Exposure Occur?

Soil gas intrusion is the primary source of radon exposure in homes. While construction materials like marble, granite, and concrete can emit radon, most radon in homes comes from soil gas entry. Soil depressurization is the most effective method to reduce indoor radon levels.

Several factors can enhance soil gas entry into a home, including barometric pressure, humidity, temperature, wind, and the stack effect.

Stack Effect

The stack effect refers to air movement in a home as it is heated during the winter. Heat rises through the home, bringing soil gas, including radon. This effect is one reason indoor radon levels are higher in regions with extended heating seasons and why homes tend to test higher for radon in colder months.

Soil Gas Pathways, Sumps, and Waterproofing Systems

Common pathways for soil gas entry include fractures in basement floors, cold joints, piping or sheetrock areas, well water sources, floor drains, and sump pumps. Homes with waterproofing systems in basements tend to test exceptionally high for radon; however, Active Soil Depressurization can effectively mitigate these systems.

Part of any thorough Active Soil Depressurization system includes sealing all accessible soil gas pathways. This involves sealing foundation cracks with polyurethane and retrofitting sump basins with airtight lids.

Active Soil Depressurization

Active Soil Depressurization is the most common and effective method for reducing indoor radon levels. This process involves creating at least one extraction point through the foundation footer.

To increase the radon system’s effectiveness, it is crucial to remove as much aggregate underneath the slab as possible. Radon Delete typically removes at least 5 gallons of material in installations with large aggregate and up to 10 gallons where smaller aggregate or bare dirt is found.

A Schedule 40 PVC pipe is placed in the extraction pit and sealed with polyurethane. This pipe runs to the fan location, which could be on the home’s exterior or attic. It is essential never to install a radon fan in a basement, crawlspace, or interior space other than a vented attic to prevent radon reintroduction in case of pipe damage.

Sub Membrane Depressurization

Sub Membrane Depressurization is the radon mitigation method commonly used for homes with crawl space foundations. A vapor barrier is installed in the crawl space, mechanically fastened to the walls and foundation piers. The seams are sealed with vapor barrier tape, or the seam is welded, depending on the application.

For this system to work efficiently, it is crucial to tightly seal the vapor barrier to the foundation walls and piers. Radon Delete uses a proprietary product to provide a perfect and permanent seal.

Radon Pipes in Garages

National radon standards require radon pipes installed in garages to be Schedule 40 PVC, labeled, and fitted with fire collars at wall and ceiling penetrations.

Sick Home Syndrome

Modern building techniques focused on energy efficiency can inadvertently raise indoor radon levels by reducing the amount of fresh air entering the home. To avoid the buildup of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that cause illness and respiratory distress, it is essential to introduce fresh air efficiently. An Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) is the preferred method for this purpose in Central Kentucky.

Energy Recovery Ventilators

Energy Recovery Ventilators can reduce radon levels in homes by up to 50% and are a practical solution when Active Soil Depressurization is impossible. ERVs also enhance dehumidification in the summer. Radon Delete installs ultra-quiet and efficient Honeywell Truefresh ERVs.

Long-Term Effects of Radon Exposure

Alpha particles emitted by radon decay products pose a significant danger to lung tissue. Like tobacco smoke, alpha particles damage lung cells, and this damage can lead to mutations and lung cancer.

How to Minimize Radon Exposure

Radon can be successfully mitigated in all indoor structures. The techniques employed by Radon Delete and other radon professionals are effective, and radon-related deaths should be considered preventable.

Radon Testing

Have your home tested by an AARST-NRPP-certified radon professional. A 48-hour test using a continuous radon monitor is recommended. The average level measured over the test period is critical in deciding whether mitigation is necessary. While no radon level is entirely safe, measurements below four pCi/L are typically not immediately mitigated, with a retest recommended in two years.