1. Radon-Resistant Construction For New Homes

2. What Is Radon? n Radon is a gas n It is naturally occurring. n It is inert and cannot be seen or smelled. n It enters buildings from the soil beneath them. Uranium Radium Radon

3. Why Is Radon a Concern? n Radon decays into radioactive particles known as radon decay products. n These particles are easily inhaled and deposited in the lungs where they can damage sensitive lung tissue. Radon Decay Products Radon Radon

4. Alpha Particles Are Strong Enough To Pit Plastic n Plastic chip from passive radon test (alpha track). n Magnified only 100 times. n 3 months at EPA Action Level of 4 pCi/L. Photo by Dr. J.F. Burkhart

5. Radon Induced Lung Cancer n Risk increased by both duration & concentration of exposure n One dart at a time for a long time, or handfuls of darts over a short time

6. National Research Council BEIR VI: February 19, 1998 n “Radon is one of the most extensively investigated human carcinogens.” n Radon is a “...public-health problem and makes indoor radon the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking.” n “…indoor radon should be considered as a cause of lung cancer in the general population that is amenable to reduction.”

7. How Radon Compares To Other Causes Of Death Lower estimate Drunk Driving DrowningsFires/Burns Air Transportation Radon Upper estimate Source: U.S. EPA’s Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide (Radon: National Academy of Sciences, Non-radon: National Safety Council)

8. How Is Radon Drawn Into A Building? n Vacuums created by: u Exhaust systems u Thermal stack effects

9. Basic Components of Passive System Large gravel beneath slab Polyethylene soil-gas retarder between slab and gravel Sealing and caulking Vent pipe running between sub-slab gravel and roof Junction Boxes (to power fan and warning device, if needed)

10. Passive System Concept for Crawl Spaces n Suction point is under plastic sheet placed over exposed soil or rock n Radon is collected and exhausted outdoors n Seams and edges are sealed Attic Depressurization Piping System Discharge Plastic Sheet

11. Why Not Wait Until Home Is Finished? n You can incorporate features that can eliminate need for fan. u Sub-grade can be made more permeable during construction. u Routing pipe through warm chases can create natural stack effect. n Vent can be hidden in chases to improve looks.

12. City Response to Radon n INFORMATION: Encourage radon testing, mitigation n INCENTIVE: Test kit sales n ORDINANCES: u Radon information at point of sale u Building Code rules and inspector certification for voluntary RRNC

13. Next Step: Require RRNC? n Air Quality Action Plan: consider RRNC ordinance n City Council: bring RRNC ordinance for a vote as part of Building Code update

14. Process timeline n Public outreach: February-March n City Council Study Session: May 13 n Building Code adoption: July

15. Option 1: No Change, Baseline n Some builders install RRNC voluntarily. n Some owners fix radon after they move in. n Assuming no mitigation, expect about 472 cancers during the lifetimes of 59,000 new residents in 24,000 new dwellings with median 2.5 pCi/L.

16. Option 2: Require RRNC n 47% reduction from passive system would avoid about 222 lifetime cancers. n Cost is about $522 per system, or about $56,000 per cancer avoided. n Further reduction if owner installs fan for about $200

17. Other Options We Have Thought About n Ordinance “exceptions” based on: u First Owner Preference (quasi-voluntary) u Building Location (map-based) u Building Cost (keep housing affordable) n These are not desirable because: u Un-equal protection u More costly to administer u Home owner can’t tell if he has a radon system based on date of construction

18. Radon Resistant New Construction Makes Sense n Low-cost u $350-$500 per home u Versus $800-$2,500 to retrofit n Simple -- uses common building materials n Effective -- reduces radon levels by about 50% n Other benefits include moisture control and energy savings n RRNC protects families

19. Public Outreach n Web site: www.fcgov.com/radon www.fcgov.com/radon n Phone: Comment Line 416-2942 n Outreach to affected groups n Letter requesting comments n Advertising, press releases

20. Thanks to… n National Environmental Health Association n U.S. Environmental Protection Agency …for presentation materials