what do i need to do if my house tested a 3 for radon levels

On this page:

• What does EPA recommend?
• Why buy a radon-resistant home?
• What are radon-resistant features?
• What can you do?
• Need more information?

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What does EPA recommend?

• If you are ownership a home or selling your home, accept it tested for radon.
• For a new dwelling house, ask if radon-resistant construction features were used and if the home has been tested.
• Fix the dwelling if the radon level is 4 picocuries per liter, or pCi/L, or higher.
• Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L all the same pose a hazard, and in many cases, may be reduced.
• Accept steps to prevent device interference when conducting a radon exam.

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Why buy a radon-resistant dwelling?

• The Techniques Work
  Simple and inexpensive techniques reduce radon levels on boilerplate past fifty%. The techniques may too lower levels of other soil gases and subtract moisture problems.
• It's Cost Effective
  Building in the features is much cheaper than fixing a radon problem later on.
• Salve Money
  The techniques described here besides make your home more free energy efficient and could provide you an average of $65 savings per year in your energy costs.
• Upgrading is Piece of cake If high levels of radon are constitute, a fan tin can easily be installed equally part of the arrangement for further radon reduction.

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What are Radon-Resistant Features?

The techniques may vary for different foundations and site requirements, but the basic elements are:

1. Gas Permeable Layer
   This layer is placed beneath the slab or floor organization to let the soil gas to move freely underneath the firm. In many cases, the material used is a 4-inch layer of make clean gravel. This gas-permeable layer is used merely in homes with casement and slab-on-grade foundations; it is not used in homes with crawlspace foundations.
2. Plastic Sheeting
   Plastic sheeting seams sealed is placed on top of the gas permeable layer and under the slab to help prevent the soil gas from inbound the home. In crawlspaces, the sheeting is placed over the crawlspace floor.
3. Sealing and Caulking
   All below-grade openings in the physical foundation flooring are sealed to reduce soil gas entry into the home.
4. Vent Pipage
   A 3- or 4-inch gas-tight or PVC pipe (or other gas-tight pipe) runs from the gas permeable layer through the business firm to the roof to safely vent radon and other soil gases above the house.
5. Junction Box
   An electrical junction box is included in the attic to make the wiring and installation of a vent fan easier. For example, you decide to actuate the passive system because your examination upshot showed an elevated radon level (4 pCi/L or more). A split up junction box is placed in the living infinite to ability the vent fan alert. An alarm is installed forth the vent fan to indicate when the vent fan is not operating properly.

Did Yous Know?

• Radon is the 2d leading crusade of lung cancer subsequently smoking.
• High radon levels have been found in every state.
• Levels can vary widely, even from home to home in the same neighborhood.
• Radon levels can exist lowered, and homes can be built radon-resistant.

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What Can You Do?

Simple, inexpensive techniques can be used to lower radon levels and increment free energy efficiency in your new domicile. Here are basic steps to follow when ownership a new dwelling house.

1. Check Your Area'south Radon Potential

Observe out if you are buying a dwelling house in a high radon area. The Environmental Protection Agency's map of radon zones shows which areas have the greatest potential for elevated indoor radon readings. Homes in places with high radon potential, called Zone 1 areas, should be congenital with radon-resistant features.

2. Install a Radon Reduction Organization

Talk to your builder nigh installing a radon reduction system. You can obtain free copies of the EPA'due south Model Standards and architectural drawings and utilize them to explain the techniques to your builder. Let your architect know that the radon resistant features can be hands installed with common edifice practices and materials.

three. Remember: Test Your Home

Every new home should be tested for radon afterwards occupancy. Exam your home even if information technology has the radon resistant features. Examination kits are inexpensive and may exist purchased at your local hardware shop. Or visit National Radon Services Program to order a exam kit.

4. If Radon Levels Are Still High, Actuate

If your home tests at 4.0 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) or in a higher place, activate the organisation by installing an in-line fan. Telephone call a local radon mitigator about installing the fan. Consult one or both of the national radon proficiency programs or your state radon contact for a listing of qualified radon service professionals about you.

• For data nearly installing an in-line fan, see Home Buyer'due south and Seller'due south Guide to Radon.

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Need More Information?

Free Information

Many publications are available to yous. Hither are merely a few suggestions:

• EPA'southward Home Buyers and Sellers Guide to Radon
• EPA's Information almost Local Radon Zones and Country Contact Information
• Model Standards and Techniques for Control of Radon in New Residential Buildings
  • adult by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the building manufacture with details on how to install radon-resistant techniques in your new dwelling house.
• Architectural Drawings of Radon-Resistant Construction Techniques.
  • You lot can too download a PDF version of the drawings: "Passive Radon Control Systems for New Construction," This PDF file includes (for one- and two-family dwellings):
    1. Passive radon command organization
    2. Crawlspace radon control organization
    3. Boosted fan for active organization

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Source: https://www.epa.gov/radon/how-protect-your-family-radon-when-buying-newly-built-home