How can you reduce radon without mitigation?
Increase air flow in your house by opening windows and using fans and vents to circulate air. Natural ventilation in any type of house should not be considered radon mitigation since it is only a temporary strategy to reduce radon.
What is the most common method of radon mitigation?
subslab depressurizationActive subslab suction — also called subslab depressurization — is the most common and usually the most reliable radon reduction method. One or more suction pipes are inserted through the floor slab into the crushed rock or soil underneath. They also may be inserted below the concrete slab from outside the home.
Can a fan help reduce radon?
In some cases, radon levels can be lowered by ventilating the crawlspace passively, or actively, with the use of a fan. Crawlspace ventilation may lower indoor radon levels both by reducing the home's suction on the soil and by diluting the radon beneath the home.
What is the proper way to remediate a radon problem?
An effective method to reduce radon levels in crawlspace homes involves covering the earth floor with a high-density plastic sheet. A vent pipe and fan are used to draw the radon from under the sheet and vent it to the outdoors.
Is it OK to live in a house with radon?
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking. If you smoke and live in a home with high radon levels, you increase your risk of developing lung cancer. Having your home tested is the only effective way to determine whether you and your family are at risk of high radon exposure.
What time of year are radon levels highest?
winterThe reason that radon levels in the home can be higher in the summer and winter is two-fold. During the winter, the air in your home tends to be much warmer than the outside air, and this temperature difference creates a vacuum within your home.
Which creates the greatest radon threat?
For most people, the greatest exposure to radon occurs in the home where people spend much of their time, though indoor workplaces may also be a source of exposure.
Does opening a window reduce radon?
As a temporary solution, however, you can reduce radon levels simply by opening windows. Opening windows improves air circulation and ventilation, helping move radon out of the house and mixing radon-free outside air with indoor air. Make sure all your basement windows are open.
Does a dehumidifier help with radon?
No, buying a dehumidifier will not make radon go away. Research conducted by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has clearly disproved this idea.
Which states have the most radon?
Here are the 10 US States with the highest average Radon levels:Alaska (10.7)South Dakota (9.6)Pennsylvania (8.6)Ohio (7.8)Washington (7.5)Kentucky (7.4)Montana (7.4)Idaho (7.3)More items...•
Should I walk away from a house with radon?
Radon-related deaths are due to exposure over the course of a lifetime. "You should definitely take it seriously but you really don't need to walk away from the home. It's actually pretty easy to remove radon, and it's not that expensive," Consumer Reports Home Editor Paul Hope said.
Where is radon most commonly found?
Radon gas is a ubiquitous element found in rock and soil. The burning of coal and other fossil fuels also releases radon. When radon escapes from soil or is discharged from emission stacks to the outdoor air, it is diluted to levels that are normally, but not always, lower than indoor air.
How long does it take to mitigate a house with radon?
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? A typical radon mitigation system is installed within a day, depending on various factors. Occasionally, more complex installations may take 2 or more days.
Does opening windows reduce radon?
As a temporary solution, however, you can reduce radon levels simply by opening windows. Opening windows improves air circulation and ventilation, helping move radon out of the house and mixing radon-free outside air with indoor air. Make sure all your basement windows are open.
Where is radon most commonly found?
Radon gas is a ubiquitous element found in rock and soil. The burning of coal and other fossil fuels also releases radon. When radon escapes from soil or is discharged from emission stacks to the outdoor air, it is diluted to levels that are normally, but not always, lower than indoor air.
How much does radon mitigation cost in Ohio?
Installing a radon mitigation system in a home after it is built can cost $2,000 or more. It Saves Money The techniques described here also make your home more energy efficient and could provide you savings in your energy costs.