Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation or walls. This radioactive gas is a leading cause of lung cancer, second only to smoking, and can pose a serious health risk to those exposed to high levels of it over a long period of time.
Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate the risk of radon gas in your home, and one of the most effective methods is by installing a radon mitigation system. These systems work by creating a vacuum under the foundation of the home, which helps to draw the radon gas out from underneath and vent it safely outside.
But how exactly do these systems work, and what makes them so effective at keeping your home safe from radon gas? Let’s uncover the science behind radon mitigation systems.
The first step in installing a radon mitigation system is to conduct a radon test in your home to determine the level of radon gas present. If levels are found to be higher than the EPA-recommended action level of 4 pCi/L, it’s recommended to install a radon mitigation system.
The most common type of radon mitigation system is the sub-slab depressurization system. This system involves drilling a hole in the basement floor or slab and installing a PVC pipe that runs up through the home and vents outside. A fan is then placed in the pipe to create a negative pressure under the foundation, effectively sucking out the radon gas and venting it safely away from the home.
Another type of radon mitigation system is the sub-membrane depressurization system, which is used in homes with a crawl space. This system involves sealing off the crawl space with a thick plastic membrane and installing a PVC pipe and fan to draw out the radon gas from underneath the membrane and vent it outside.
Both of these systems work by creating a pressure imbalance between the inside and outside of the home, which helps to prevent radon gas from seeping in through cracks and openings in the foundation. By effectively removing radon gas from underneath the home and venting it outside, these systems can reduce indoor radon levels by as much as 99%.
In conclusion, radon mitigation systems are an essential tool in keeping your home safe from the dangers of radon gas. By creating a vacuum under the foundation and venting the gas safely outside, these systems can effectively reduce indoor radon levels and protect your family’s health. If you suspect that your home may have high levels of radon gas, it’s important to have a radon test conducted and consider installing a radon mitigation system to keep your home safe.