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Homeowner's
Guide
Radon can rise into the living space of your
house through cracks in the floor, around chimneys, around plumbing pipes
and through the ducts of forced air heating systems. And there are other
sources of radon besides the bowels of the earth. That stone foundation or
massive fireplace can also be emitting radon gas. Natural building
materials such as wallboard, concrete and even wood are "emitters". One
large contributor to radon gas in some geographical areas is the water
supply. Deep wells draw radon-contaminated water into your home which is
released when the water is used to bathe, cook or drink.
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How does Radon
accumulate in homes?
Radon normally rises from the depths of the
earth and disperses into the atmosphere harmlessly.
If there is an enclosed structure in radon's path, like residential homes
with a basement, water sump hole or drainage system, then the radon enters
the enclosed area through the soil and begins to accumulate within it.
Having a cement floor in the basement can reduce radon gas infiltration but
only to the degree that the floor is solid, nonporous and crack-free. Radon
can also enter water in private wells and be released into a home when the
water is used.
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What is the
High/Normal level of Radon in homes?
The average indoor radon level is estimated
to be about 1.3 pCi/L, and about 0.4 pCi/L of radon is normally found in
the outside air. The U.S. Congress has set a long-term goal that indoor
radon levels be no more than outdoor levels.
In keeping with normal radiation safety
practices for minimizing all sources of radiation dose, AARST (American
Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists) recommends testing of
buildings and taking action to reduce radon levels below 4pCi/L.
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