Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas caused by the breakdown of uranium found in soil and rocks all over the world. Although radon itself isn’t dangerous, the products of degradation known as radon daughters, are colourless, tasteless, and odourless particles that emit alpha radiation.
Due to the radon daughters being solid radioactive particles, they can stick to any surface such as your lung epithelium or dust. Having radon present in your lungs can be extremely dangerous and could lead to all sorts of problems to your body.
However, you can prevent the problems caused by radon gas if it’s mitigated. There are various ways in which you can prevent yourself from being exposed to radon. Here are the things you need to know about radon gas mitigation.
Radon Mitigation in Building a New Home
You have to make sure that you have a radon sump installed when building your house. This radon sump is a passive mitigation system known as Sub-Slab Depressurization. The sub-slab depressurization system serves as an emergency system for mitigating radon when levels get too high inside the house.
There will be a fan in the attic connected to a pipe from the radon sump. The pipe will exhaust the radon gas through the roof if activated. Therefore, it will be easy for your builder to install the passive mitigation system before pouring the concrete floor.
Builders will bury the radon sump under your house, with a high-density polyethylene covering over the stones to prevent the radon gases from going through. The fan will then create a negative pressure to divert the radon gas towards the radon sump.
There must be a lot of radon mitigation companies near you. However, you can hire radon mitigation contractors in Winnipeg MB, who’re most willing to help prevent radon gas from contaminating your house.
Active Soil Depressurization
Active soil depressurization or ASD is the most used method to mitigate airborne radon gas. Active soil depressurization prevents radon gas and other soil gas from entering your home. The process involves installing a heat recovery ventilator or HRV, which brings fresh air from outside the house and exchanges it with the contaminated air inside the house.
The heat recovery ventilator is typically a box-shaped system with two duct works, one leading to and from outside the house, and the other leading to and from inside the house. As the heat from the contaminated air inside is going out, it’s then transferred to the fresh air going inside.
After the recovery ventilator dilutes the radon from inside your house, the active soil depressurization then draws the soil gas out from under the slab of your home. Also, it deflects and prevents moisture from going inside your house, thus, preventing moulds from forming.
Above Slab Air Pressure Differential Barrier Technology
Above slab air pressure differential barrier or ASAPDB technology requires your walls and the ductwork for the air conditioning systems to be incredibly airtight. Seal the pressure envelope properly to extract radon gas from the walls to the outside of your house using a small blower.
However, make sure you seal your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning properly. To secure there is little chance of high amounts of radon gas from entering the breathing zone inside your house.
High-rise condominiums typically use ASAPDB technology as there is little to no chance of humidity loads from increasing indoor. It’s also best for preventing moulds from growing in the exterior walls during hot weathers.
Sub-Membrane Depressurization
Sub-membrane depressurization system carries out spaces and areas that have direct contact with the soil. The suction will form under a plastic sheet or polyethylene, permanently installed over the rocks and soil with radon gas. Vent piping and an exhaust fan will draw the radon under the plastic sheet, and release it towards the highest eave of the roof.
Sealing Sump Pits and Cracks
Sealing sump pits and cracks, also known as PicoCURE, is an addition to other radon mitigation systems to ensure their effectiveness. PicoCURE seals the radon sump pits and other cracks found in the basement or the foundation of the house itself. Further, PicoCURE radon mitigation systems are maintenance-free, quiet, and permanently installed.
Takeaway
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers and the second most cause of lung cancer for smokers. Being exposed to radon will severely damage your DNA and will destroy your respiratory system. Keep in mind that you can’t easily detect radon as it’s an odourless, colourless, and tasteless gas.
Knowing the best radon mitigation systems are incredibly beneficial to prevent radon exposure. You’ll be able to see the type of system to fight against the radon gas exposure in your house. Although it can be expensive, it is better to prevent it now, than pay for more for medical expenses in the future.