Radon and Testing ForMatt Smelt

Colby YanagiSimrat Singh

Spencer Miller

Radon Overview Radon is cancer causing radioactive

gas Radon comes from the radio active

decay of uranium in soil. Can be found in anywhere within the

U.S because it is found in soil, rock and water.

Radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless.

How Radon gets into Homes

Radon can get in through:• Cracks in the foundation• Construction Joints• Cracks in walls• Gaps in Suspended floors• Gaps around pipes• Cavities inside walls• Water supply

Effects of Radon Radon gas can cause many diseases

• Cancer• Emphysema• Pulmonary fibrosis• Chronic interstitial pneumonia• Respiratory lesions

Also indirectly can relate to silicosis through weakening of the immune system with prolonged exposure

Environmental Effects Radon enters soil from uranium

decay, uranium and phosphate mines, and also coal combustion

Radon’s half life is less than four days limiting its effects

Aquatic effects are unknown but it is dangerous if it enters tap water

In outdoor air it is almost harmless and will dissipate within a week

Testing for radon Short term testing

• Quickest way to test• 2 to 3 days• Provides radon levels from day to day

Long term test• More than 90 days• Provide year round radon levels

How to use a Test Kit Close windows and outside doors Do not operate fans or other

machines that bring in air from outside (recirculation is acceptable)

Doors and windows should be closed 12 hours before testing

Put test kit in the lowest level floor/room

Room should be regularly used

Test kit cont. Place test 20 inches above the floor

where it will not be disturbed Seal the package and send it to the

specified location for testing

Cheap and Easy to use Test Kit

Testing short term radon very easy We bought one test kit and all you need

to do is open the detectors and place them 6 inches apart in a specified room.

This test kit was purchased at Home Depot for only $10.00

Sending in results does cost $30.00

Treating radon The EPA recommends that a qualified

contractor inspects the home after results of test show it is needed.• Using the wrong equipment or knowledge

can create different or worse problems. Contractors will inspect the home and

choose reduce radon levels

Radon Reduction Methods Active Subslab Suction

• Suction pipes are inserted into the soil or crushed rock through the floor slab. Gas is then sucked from beneath the house with fans and ejected out of the house through pipes

Passive Subslab Suction• Same as active, but instead of a fan, it uses air currents or pressure to

push gas away Drain Tiles or Perforated Pipes

• Used to reduce water that has mixed with radon by draining it away from the house

Block-Wall suction• Requires hollow block foundation walls• Depressurized the block wall and remove radon