1. Healthy Home Solutions Lesson 2: Radon in your home
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2. Learning objectives Knowledge: Origin of radon and health risk
Comprehension: Influences of radon entry into homes
Application: Options for testing and mitigation
Learning objectives
Participants will accomplish the following:
Knowledge: Describe the origin of radon and health risks associated with radon gas.
Comprehension: Describe common conditions that influence radon entry into a home, locations where radon gas may enter the home and options for testing radon.
Application:
Identify locations in the home where radon are likely.
Identify types and local sources of radon detectors.
Identify where radon detectors should be located in the home and what levels of radon are recommended to apply mitigation.
Identify options and local sources for radon mitigation when excessive levels of radon are detected.
Identify resources for more help and information.

3. A citizen's guide to radon: The guide to protecting yourself and your family from radon
As a handout and guide for consumers dealing with radon, you may want to distribute copies of the EPA publication, A Citizen's Guide to Radon: The Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Radon.
This guidance offers strategies for testing your home for radon and discussions of what steps to take after you have tested, discussions of the risk of radon and radon myths (note: The current version reflects corrections to links and contact information.)
HTML Version | PDF Version (16 pp, 618 K) | Get the files to print this publication | EPA 402/K-12/002, May 2012

4. Radon: What is it? Naturally occurring Radioactive gas Colorless
Odorless
Radon: What is it?
Radon – Radioactive gas.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that you can’t see or smell.
It is produced by the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water.
All rocks contain some uranium, although most contain just a small amount (between 1-3 parts per million – ppm of uranium.
In other words, a million pounds [500 tons] of rocks generally will have 1 to 3 pounds of uranium scattered through it.)
Uranium is found in throughout the world, with some areas having higher concentrations than others; Some types of rocks have higher than average uranium contents.
These include light-colored volcanic rocks, granites, dark shales, sedimentary rocks that contain phosphate, and metamorphic rocks – these rocks and their soils may contain as much as 100 ppm uranium). 4

5. Radon – radioactive gas
Bismuth
Lead
Radon
3.8 days
Radon is gas formed by the natural decay or radium which comes from the decay of radium.
Both radium and uranium are very common elements present in soils and rock.
Radon itself is not dangerous, but as it decays, the gas produces radiation in the form of microscopic particles that can cling to house dust or other airborne particles.
Outdoors radon is diluted quickly and poses little threat, but when it migrated into a building and accumulates to unsafe levels, it can become a health hazard.
<< A speaker may choose to only use slide three or divide talking points between the two slides. >>
Polonium
Radium
1,620 years
Uranium
4.47 million
years
Radon – radioactive gas

6. Radon is measured in picoCuries per liter of air (pCi/L)
While no level of radon exposure is considered safe, EPA has set an action level at 4 pCi/L
1 picoCurie is equal to radioactive disintegrations per second
According to EPA, if levels are at or above 4 pCi/L, the home should be mitigated
Take precautionary actions between 2-4 pCi/L
Radon measurement
Radon Measurement
Radon is measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L).
A picocurie is one-trillionth of a curie, which measures radioactivity in disintegrations per second. EPA recommends homes be fixed if the radon level is 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) or more.
Because there is no known safe level of exposure to radon, EPA also recommends that Americans consider fixing their home for radon levels between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L. 6

7. Radon in Air
Radon in air is ubiquitous.
Radon is found in outdoor air and in the indoor air of buildings of all kinds.
The average radon concentration in the indoor air of America's homes is about 1.3 pCi/L.
It is upon this level that EPA based its estimate of 21,000 radon-related lung cancers a year upon. It is for this simple reason that EPA recommends that Americans consider fixing their homes when the radon level is between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L.
The average concentration of radon in outdoor air is .4 pCi/L or 1/10th of EPA's 4 pCi/L action level.

8. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, claiming approximately 21,000 lives annually.
Health Concerns
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
Radon is the leading environmental cause of cancer in America, claiming approximately 21,000 lives annually.
Radon is estimated to cause thousands of lung cancer deaths in the U.S. each year.
Radon is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year, according to EPA's 2003 Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R ).
The numbers of deaths from other causes are taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Report and 2006 National Safety Council Reports

9. Radon causes lung cancer
Inhalation of radon decay products
Alpha
Particle
As you breathe radon and radon decay products enters your lung.
As radon decays, it releases small bursts of energy called alpha particles.
These energy bursts can damage lung tissue and over time lead to lung cancer.
The higher your radon level, the greater your risk of developing lung cancer.
Radiation damage
to DNA

10. Radon - A physician's guide: The health threat with a simple solution
Optional Slide
Radon - A Physician's Guide: The Health Threat With A Simple Solution This booklet on radon has been developed for physicians by the EPA in consultation with the American Medical Association (AMA).
Its purpose is to enlist physicians in the national effort to inform the American public about the serious health risk posed by indoor radon gas.
HTML Version | EPA 402-K , September 1993

11. Radon and children Children are more susceptible to effects of radon.
Children have smaller lungs and therefore higher breathing rates.
Children spend up to 70% more time indoors than adults on average.
According to the U.S. EPA, 1 in 5 schools has at least one schoolroom with a radon level that exceeds the recommended level of 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher.
Radon and children
Radon and Children
Children have smaller lungs and therefore higher breathing rates.
Children spend up to 70% more time in-doors than adults on average.
Radon-related lung cancer is correlated with a person’s total lifelong exposure.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a nationwide survey estimates that 1 in 5 schools has at least one schoolroom with a radon level that exceeds the recommended level of 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher. (A picoCurie is a measure of radioactivity.)
Schools and Childcare Facilities
Because of radon exposure to children, it is imperative that schools and child care facilities test their buildings for radon to be sure that children and staff are safe. 11

12. Radon in soil and rocks under and adjacent to buildings, migrates through foundations, cracks and small openings and concentrates inside buildings.
Radon is a gas. It can seep through soil and cracks in rock into the air. It can seep through foundations into homes (particularly basements), and accumulate into fairly high concentrations.
New or old, any building can have excessive radon levels.
Radon gets into a building by moving up through the ground and then through cracks and holes in the foundation.
Buildings can trap radon, which can lead to harmful concentrations indoors. 12

13. Radon and granite countertops? Not an issue.
With the increased installation of granite for countertops, consumers may ask about radon emissions from the granite.
While the granite may be radon source, the amount is not a significant contributing factor to over-all radon levels in the home.

14. What are the radon levels in your community?
EPA Map of Radon Zones
The purpose of this map is to assist National, State, and local organizations to target their resources and to implement radon-resistant building codes. This map is not intended to be used to determine if a home in a given zone should be tested for radon. Homes with elevated levels of radon have been found in all three zones. All homes should be tested regardless of geographic location.
What do the colors mean?
Zone 1 (red) counties have a predicted average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) (red zones) - Highest Potential
Zone 2 (orange) counties have a predicted average indoor radon screening level between 2 and 4 pCi/L (orange zones) - Moderate Potential
Zone 3 (yellow) counties have a predicted average indoor radon screening level less than 2 pCi/L (yellow zones) - Low Potential
The map should not be used in lieu of testing during real estate transactions. 14

15. Testing is the only way to know the radon level of a building.
Because radon comes from geology, rock and soil, because geologic formations are not uniform, and because of all of the variables in house construction and occupancy patterns, one home can be high and the one next door low.
Note: It is not practical nor feasible to test the soil before constructing a home to predict what the radon level might be.
Residential Construction Team

16. DIY radon test kits long-term/alpha track 3 months to a year test
How to Test for Radon
Radon test kits for do-it-yourself (FIY) consumer testing may be available at larger home improvement stores.
Depending on the kit, they typically cost about $15 and $25, which will include the cost of mailing to the laboratory and the analysis.
Test kits also can be ordered from online retailers, as well as from the National Radon Program Services. Visit sosradon.org or call SOS-RADON.
There are two common DIY test kits:
Charcoal canisters are used to test for radon for short periods (2-7 days).
Alpha track detectors measure radon over 3 months to one year.
Since radon levels vary, a long-term test (90 or more days) provides the best measure of year round radon levels.
If levels need to be determined quickly, short-term tests (usually between 2 and 7 days) can be conducted.
It is recommended that two short-term tests be done either at the same time or one after another to obtain an average.
long-term/alpha track
3 months to a year test
short-term/charcoal
3-7 day test

17. DIY testing: follow instructions
Kit instructions vary – follow instructions!
12-hour closed-house for 2-7 day test
Place in lowest “lived-in” area
Place mid-level from floor and ceiling
Out of air flow (ductwork and fans)
Out of kitchen and bathroom
DIY testing: follow instructions
When using a radon test kit:
Follow the directions of the kits closely since the length of time the kits can remain open varies.
Place the test kit in the basement or lowest- lived-in level of a home, school, or child care.
Ensure the test kit is placed midlevel, not too close to ground or ceiling (place on top of a book shelf or dresser).
Be careful not to disturb the test kit until testing is finished.
After the specified amount of time, mail the kit to the manufacturer to be analyzed.

18. Radon testing and mitigation professionals
Often it is wise to hire an independent/third-party professional to provide radon testing services.
To ensure EAP testing and mitigation standards are followed and professionally are properly trained, organizations have been established.
When choosing a testing service, consumers should seek individuals/companies that have professional credentials.

19. Professional continuous monitor
While professional testing services may also use alpha track and charcoal test kits for testing; they are also trained to use more sophisticated monitoring devices.
One such device is a continuous monitor like the one shown in this slide.
Professional continuous monitor
Cost $600+$ printer

20. Using a continuous monitor, results of the test are recorded and printed out for the consumer.
From this type of test, it illustrates the continuous fluctuations of radon gas entry into the building.
Fluctuations are influenced by wind, operation of mechanical systems (i.e. furnace) and other factors (see next slide).
To achieve an average radon level, radon testing should be conducted for a minimum of 3 days.

21. Factors that increase radon levels
De-pressurization
Thermal by- passes
Stack-effect
Vented appliances without dedicated outside air source
Frozen/wet soils
Many factors can influence the rate and change of radon throughout the day and year.
Some factors include:
de-pressurization – wind
thermal by-passes (ceiling air leaks and penetrations – light fixtures, cracks and openings)
stack-effect – the height of the home
vented appliances without dedicated outside air source
frozen/wet soils

22. Radon mitigation for existing homes
Fixing a radon problem is referred to as “mitigation”
The following slides provide a brief overview of common mitigation methods.
The illustration on this slide is NOT a mitigation option.

23. Consumer's guide to radon reduction: How to fix your home
For an overview of radon mitigation options you may want to distribute or recommend this EPA publication, Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction: How to Fix Your Home
You have tested your home for radon, but now what?
This guidance has been specifically designed for people who have tested their home for radon and confirmed that they have elevated radon levels — 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher.
Know what to look for when selecting a qualified contractor to reduce the radon levels in your home, determine an appropriate radon reduction method and maintain your radon reduction system.
HTML Version | PDF Version (20 pp, 650 K) | Get the files to print this publication | EPA 402/K-10/005, September 2010

24. Radon mitigation sub-slab depressurization
Discharge
Most common type of radon mitigation system
Suction created by fan draws radon from beneath the concrete slab and safely vents radon outdoors
Fan
Attic
Depressurization
Piping System
Radon Mitigation Option - Sub-slab Depressurization (note the arrow movement on the slide indicating suction of the radon gas from the foundation through the roof).
Used with slab and basement foundation systems.
Sub-slab depressurization is the most common method of radon mitigation.
Suction created by fan draws radon from beneath the concrete slab and safely vents radon outdoors
Depending of access to radon mitigation contractor in your area, the size (numbers of stories and foundation area), complexity of the foundation, and finishes of the house, the sub-slab depressurization system cost may range from $1,200-3, or more.

25. Radon mitigation Sub-slab depressurization
PVC pipe, usually 3-4 inches in diameter, is installed from a hole drilled in the slab.
It runs through the home, usually through closet space and exits out the roof.
A special quiet, energy-efficient fan is installed in the pipeline at the attic level.
The fan pulls the radon from beneath the slab and vents it to the outside, before it can enter the breathable air space of the house.
Rarely, it may be acceptable to install the vent on the side wall of a house, but this should be done with extra caution.
The pipe exit should not be within 10 feet of a door and window, or radon exiting the pipe could be re-entrained into the house.
Also the fan should not be located in the living space.
If a leak were to occur on the “up” side of the fan, radon would be pulled into the house at a very high concentration.

26. For this mitigation application a sub-floor sump pump hole is capped and radon piping is installed to draw radon gas from underneath the basement slab.
The piping exists out of the house through the rim-joist and continues above the roof.
The pipe exit should not be within 10 feet of a door and window, or radon exiting the pipe could be re-entrained into the house.

27. Crawlspace mitigation … sub-membrane depressurization System
Discharge
Fan
Attic
Depressurization
Piping System
Radon Mitigation for home with a crawl-space foundation.
Sub-Membrane Depressurization System (note the arrow movement on the slide indicating suction of the radon gas from the foundation through the roof).
In the case of a home with a crawl space, a “sub-membrane” mitigation system can be effective.
The principle of this system is similar to the sub-slab depressurization however since there is not a concrete slab, the floor of the crawl space is first cover and sealed with heavy plastic or a rubber membrane to trap the radon gas underneath it.
The PVC pipe, usually 3-4 inches in diameter, is installed and sealed below the membrane.
The pipe runs through the home, usually through closet space and exits out the roof.
A special quiet, energy-efficient fan is installed in the pipeline at the attic level.
The fan pulls the radon from beneath the membrane and vents it to the outside, before it can enter the breathable air space of the house.

28. Building radon out: A step-by-step guide on how to build radon-resistant homes
Optional Slides – the next four slides deal with radon prevention in NEW home construction and Radon in water. Depending on your audience, the content may be excluded for your presentation.
Building Radon Out: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Build Radon-Resistant Homes
This 81-page, fully illustrated guide contains all the info you need in one place to educate home builders about radon-resistant new construction (RRNC), including:
Basic questions and detailed answers about radon and RRNC
Specific planning steps before installing a system
Detailed installation instructions with helpful illustrations
Tips and tricks when installing a system
Marketing know-how when dealing with homebuyers
Architectural drawings.
PDF Version (84 pp, 5.5 M) | Get more information on Radon-resistant New Construction

29. Building radon resistant homes
Pre-construction testing is costly and is not 100% - not recommend
Homes can be built to prevent radon entry
Radon-resistant construction includes common building practices and a few added steps
Radon-resistant features into your new home adds $350-$500 vs. $1,500-$3,000 for existing home
Homes with radon-resistant features should be tested for radon after occupancy
Building radon resistant homes
It is much cheaper for homeowners if the pipe and other parts of a radon system are installed into the house during construction.
The key to this is making sure the components are installed correctly by the builder.
Then these components (referred to as a “passive system”) can be activated if it becomes necessary.
This means reviewing how and where the pipe is installed and that if it must be activated, there is enough attic clearance to be able to install a fan and there is a conveniently located electrical source to allow for fan operation.
Installing the passive system is a wise thing to do when building a new home.
It is also wise to test your new home for radon.
If the levels are still higher than the recommended action level, it will be a simple matter for a qualified radon professional to activate the system.

30. Radon resistant construction minimum rough-in features
4” layer of gas-permeable material (1/4”-2” aggregate) under all concrete slabs and other floor systems in contact with ground;
Soil gas retarder (6 mil poly) under slab or on ground if crawl space
Minimizing entry routes (sumps, floor openings, etc.)
Passive sub-membrane/slab depressurization system
3-inch diameter PVC pipe embedded vertically in the sub-membrane/slab extending up through the house and terminating about the roof surface
Provisions for a vent pipe power source
Radon resistant construction minimum rough-in features
4” layer of gas-permeable material (1/4”-2” aggregate) under all concrete slabs and other floor systems in contact with ground;
Soil gas retarder (6 mil poly) under slab or on ground if crawl space
Minimizing entry routes (sumps, floor openings, etc.)
Passive sub-membrane/slab depressurization system
3-inch diameter PVC pipe embedded vertically in the sub-membrane/slab extending up through the house and terminating about the roof surface
Provisions for a vent pipe power source

31. Radon gas contribution from water – 5%; always focus on radon in air first!
10,000 pCi/L in water adds 1 pCi/L to air
Private wells are greatest problem
Water outgases radon – more from hot H2O
Radon in water
Radon gas contribution from water – 5%; always focus on radon in air first!
10,000 pCi/L in water adds 1 pCi/L to air
Private wells are greatest problem
Water outgases radon – more from hot H2O
If testing your private well shows that you have high levels of radon in your drinking water and you are concerned about it, there are some things you can do to improve the water.
The most effective treatment you can apply is to remove radon from the water right before it enters your home.
This is called point-of-entry treatment.
There are two types of point-of-entry devices that remove radon from water:
Granular activated carbon (GAC) filters (which use activated carbon to remove the radon), and
Aeration devices (which bubble air through the water and carry radon gas out into the atmosphere through an exhaust fan).
GAC filters tend to cost less than aeration devices, however, radioactivity collects on the filter, which may cause a handling hazard and require special disposal methods for the filter.

32. Home buyer's and seller's guide to radon
To provide guidance for consumers buying or selling a home you may want to provide a copy of this EPA publication: Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon. This booklet is intended for anyone who is buying or selling a home, real estate and relocation professionals, home inspectors and others.
HTML Version | PDF Version (44 pp, 4 M) | Get the files to print this publication | EPA 402/K-09/002, January 2009

33. Healthy indoor environment protocols for home energy upgrades
Optional Slide. If you have consumers or contractors interested in energy-efficient retrofits you may want to offer this EPA publication, "Healthy Indoor Environment Protocols for Home Energy Upgrades“
"New guidance will help ensure that home energy upgrades protect the health of Americans while saving energy and money."
[November 15, 2011] EPA developed a voluntary guidance document, Healthy Indoor Environment Protocols for Home Energy Upgrades, that provides a set of best practices for improving indoor air quality in conjunction with energy upgrade work in homes.
The guidance was developed in collaboration with the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Recovery Through Retrofit Initiative and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) initiative to develop Guidelines for Home Energy Professionals. 33

34. Healthy Home Solutions Lesson 2: Radon in your home
Thank you!
Questions? Comments?