How Do You Fix High Radon Levels?
Fixing high radon levels typically involves installing a radon mitigation system, most commonly a sub-slab depressurization (SSD) system. This system creates a vacuum beneath your home’s foundation to draw radon gas away from the building and vent it safely into the atmosphere, significantly reducing indoor radon concentrations.
Understanding the Problem: Radon and Your Home
Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that forms naturally from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can seep into homes through cracks and other openings in the foundation. Prolonged exposure to high levels of radon is a leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers and the second leading cause overall. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends fixing your home if the radon level is at or above 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). However, they also suggest considering mitigation for levels between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L.
Ignoring high radon levels is not an option. It’s a serious health hazard that needs to be addressed promptly and professionally. Knowing the potential dangers and understanding the available solutions empowers homeowners to take the necessary steps to protect their families.
Assessing the Situation: Radon Testing
Before you can fix high radon levels, you need to know if you have a problem. Radon testing is the only way to determine the radon level in your home. There are two main types of radon tests:
- Short-term tests: These tests typically last from 2 to 90 days and provide a quick snapshot of radon levels. They are useful for initial screening.
- Long-term tests: These tests last for more than 90 days and provide a more accurate assessment of radon levels over time, taking into account seasonal variations.
The EPA recommends following up a short-term test result of 4 pCi/L or higher with a long-term test or a second short-term test. If the average of the two short-term tests is 4 pCi/L or higher, you should take steps to mitigate the radon. You can purchase radon test kits at most hardware stores or online. You can also hire a certified radon tester to perform the test for you.
Professional Radon Testing
Hiring a certified radon tester offers several advantages. A professional will ensure the test is conducted properly, minimizing the risk of inaccurate results. They can also provide expert interpretation of the results and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies based on your specific home characteristics.
Radon Mitigation Techniques: Your Solutions
Several techniques can be used to lower radon levels in your home. The most common and effective method is sub-slab depressurization (SSD), but other options exist depending on your home’s construction.
Sub-Slab Depressurization (SSD)
SSD involves creating a vacuum beneath the concrete slab of your foundation to draw radon gas away from your home. This is achieved by:
- Drilling a hole through the slab: A hole, typically 4-6 inches in diameter, is drilled through the concrete slab.
- Creating a suction point: Soil is removed around the hole to create a small pit.
- Installing a PVC pipe: A PVC pipe is inserted into the hole and sealed.
- Installing a fan: A radon fan is attached to the PVC pipe, typically in an attic or exterior location. The fan creates a vacuum that draws radon gas up through the pipe.
- Venting the gas: The radon gas is vented safely above the roofline, where it is diluted and dispersed into the atmosphere.
SSD systems can reduce radon levels by up to 99%. They are generally considered the most reliable and effective radon mitigation method.
Sealing Cracks and Openings
While sealing cracks and openings in your foundation can help reduce radon entry, it’s usually not effective as a standalone mitigation method. It’s best used in conjunction with other techniques, such as SSD. Sealants can prevent radon from entering your home through obvious entry points.
Other Mitigation Techniques
Other, less common, mitigation techniques include:
- Sub-membrane depressurization: Used in crawl spaces, this involves covering the crawl space with a durable plastic membrane and creating a vacuum beneath the membrane.
- Block wall depressurization: Used in homes with hollow block walls, this involves creating a vacuum inside the block walls to draw radon gas away from the home.
- Radon sump system: Installing a sump pit and a vent pipe with a fan in the basement. This is effective when the basement frequently floods.
Choosing a Radon Mitigation Professional
Radon mitigation is a specialized field, and it’s crucial to hire a qualified and certified radon mitigation professional. Look for professionals certified by organizations such as the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) or the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP).
A certified professional will:
- Assess your home’s specific radon problem
- Recommend the most appropriate mitigation technique
- Install the mitigation system correctly
- Test the radon levels after installation to ensure the system is effective
Post-Mitigation Testing and Maintenance
After a radon mitigation system is installed, it’s important to retest your home to ensure the system is working effectively and that radon levels have been reduced to an acceptable level. The EPA recommends retesting your home every two years to ensure the system continues to function properly.
Also, it’s important to perform routine maintenance on your radon mitigation system. This typically involves checking the fan to ensure it’s running properly and inspecting the vent pipe for any damage or obstructions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does it cost to fix high radon levels?
The cost of radon mitigation varies depending on the type of system required and the complexity of the installation. A typical sub-slab depressurization system can cost between $800 and $2,500. Complex mitigation needs can incur larger costs.
2. How long does it take to install a radon mitigation system?
Most sub-slab depressurization systems can be installed in one day. More complex systems might take a day or two to install. The actual time can vary depending on the accessibility of the slab and the specific features of the house.
3. Will a radon mitigation system affect the value of my home?
While some buyers might be initially concerned about radon, having a radon mitigation system can actually increase the value of your home by demonstrating that you’ve addressed a potential health hazard. Full disclosure to potential buyers is always recommended.
4. Can I install a radon mitigation system myself?
While it’s technically possible to install a radon mitigation system yourself, it’s highly recommended to hire a certified professional. Proper installation is crucial for the system’s effectiveness, and an improperly installed system may not adequately reduce radon levels.
5. How does a radon fan work?
A radon fan is a low-wattage fan designed to run continuously. It creates a slight vacuum that draws radon gas from beneath the slab and vents it outside. Radon fans are designed to be energy-efficient and are typically located in an attic or exterior location.
6. How often should I test my home for radon?
The EPA recommends testing your home for radon every two years, even if you have a radon mitigation system. Radon levels can fluctuate over time due to changes in soil conditions or home construction.
7. What happens if my radon mitigation system stops working?
If your radon mitigation system stops working, radon levels will likely increase. It’s important to have the system repaired or replaced as soon as possible. You should also retest your home for radon to determine the current levels.
8. Does sealing cracks in my foundation completely eliminate radon?
No. Sealing cracks alone is rarely effective at eliminating radon. While it can help reduce radon entry, it’s usually not enough to bring levels down to an acceptable range. It should be considered a supplementary measure along with other mitigation techniques.
9. Are all radon mitigation systems the same?
No. Radon mitigation systems are customized to the specific characteristics of each home. Factors such as the foundation type, soil conditions, and radon levels will influence the design and installation of the system.
10. What are the health risks of radon exposure?
Prolonged exposure to high levels of radon is a leading cause of lung cancer, especially among non-smokers. The higher the radon level and the longer the exposure, the greater the risk.
11. Can radon come from my well water?
Yes. Radon can be present in well water, and it can be released into the air when the water is used for showering, washing dishes, or other household activities. Radon in water is less of a health risk than radon in air. Testing well water for radon is recommended if you use well water.
12. Where can I find a certified radon mitigation professional?
You can find a certified radon mitigation professional through the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) or the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP). Their websites offer directories of certified professionals in your area.