Radon Mitigation: What Is It?

What is Radon? 

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that has become the second-leading cause of lung cancer, second only to cigarette smoke.  Most soils contain uranium, a chemical element that over time, decays to produce radium and polonium.  Eventually, polonium is released along with radon, creating high toxicity levels in the air and water that it comes in contact with.  Unfortunately, radon is completely undetectable to humans.  We cannot smell, taste, see, touch, or hear radon, so it easily goes unnoticed.  If radon goes unnoticed for too long, everyone in the home can become susceptible to illness.

 What is Radon Mitigation? 

Properly installed radon mitigation systems pull radon from within the home and expel it outside the house.  Each radon mitigation system design varies depending on the structure of your home.  Homes are generally categorized according to their foundation design.  The existence of a basement, crawl space, or slab determines the proper mitigation system that is needed.  The following procedures are taken in most cases: 

Common Radon Mitigation Procedures: 

1) Forces are redirected using the "stack effect":  The stack effect draws air from beneath your home and into your living space.  Depressurizing the soil beneath the structure allows for the radon to be redirected. 

2) The radon gas is redirected: A hole is drilled into the slab, crawl space, or surrounding earth to create a suction point.  The radon gas is vented through a PVC pipe that is connected to the hole.  The pipe can be installed through the house or outside.  Some newer homes have radon control systems installed that run through the home. 

3) The radon gas is vented out, away from your home: The pipe is connected to a fan in the attic or to the top of the structure for proper ventilation.  

4) Radon entry points are sealed: To resist gas entry, cracks are sealed using a urethane caulking compound.

5) A final system checklist is performed: Your technicians are trained and certified to inspect the entire radon mitigation system after it has been installed to make sure it complies with industry standards.  Proper system labeling and proper fan operation are checked, along with other key system details.  

Radon mitigation will ensure that your home is safe.  Woodford Bros., Inc. provides free, in-home consultations to assist in radon removal and radon mitigation for your home.  Contact us today for a free radon mitigation quote!