Every year, radon toxicity and exposure contribute to 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United StateEverything You Need to Know About Basement Radon Mitigation System
Every year, radon toxicity and exposure contribute to 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States, a number that’s consistently growing every year. With rampant urbanization and lack of proper mitigation strategies, radon concentrations often grow indoors, leading to complications.
The government is now introducing radon mitigation systems and strategies to limit exposure and ensure the health of the people. Surprisingly, with the right mitigation, the radon concentration can be brought down to below 2 pCi/L.
Given how little talked about radon mitigation systems are, not being aware of them is common. So, if you want to prioritize your well-being, this guide will provide all the detailed insights you need.
What is Radon?
Before we delve into the radon mitigation system and how it works, it is crucial that we understand why radon requires close monitoring and elimination from people’s homes.
Radon is an odorless, invisible radioactive gas. It is a concerning factor because it is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in the U.S. (and the world, too). The gas forms from the uranium decay inside the soil and rocks underground, which often seeps into people’s homes, accumulating in hazardous levels at times.
Given how damaging radon exposure is to people’s health, deploying the proper mitigation strategies is paramount.
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What are the Common Types of Radon Mitigation Systems?
There are three primary types of radon mitigation systems that you need to be aware of:
Sub-slab suction – This involves getting rid of the accumulated radon from underneath the house’s foundation and then expelling it outside.
Drain tile suction – This uses pipes that integrate into the drain tiles and then pull out and vent the radon gas outside.
Sub-membrane – This is primarily used in the crawl spaces wherein a plastic sheet covers the dirt-covered floor and is then sealed. A radon pipe is then inserted into the plastic sheeting to suction out the radon gas from the crawl space and vent it outdoors.
What kind of radon mitigation system will be deployed in your home will depend on the extent of the exposure and the house’s structural foundation.
What is the Science Behind Radon Mitigation Systems, and How Do They Work?
Given the efficacy of radon mitigation systems and their effectiveness in saving people’s lives, it is common to be curious about the science behind them.
When done by professionals and done the right way, radon mitigation systems can proactively suction out and eliminate radon exposure in residential and commercial buildings.
Since Radon is odorless and invisible, being alert about its “insertion” into your home is often difficult. The gas can seep into the house through wall joints, floor cracks, openings around utility components, etc. Either way, the key is to find such “loopholes” inside the property, seal them to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself.
A radon mitigation system first identifies the avenues through which the gas might be entering the home, following this, the next mitigation steps are deployed to vent out the gas outdoors to improve indoor air quality.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) backs the effectiveness of the radon mitigation system, suggesting that it reduces radon levels by 99%.
What Are Some Factors Impacting the Efficacy of the Radon Mitigation System?
Studies depict that implementing the right basement radon mitigation system reduces the risks of lung cancer in women across the U.S by 12%.
But how do you know the system is effective, and what factors influence its efficacy? The following are a few worth highlighting:
1. Building Design and its Foundation
Every building (residential or commercial) has a unique design and constructional foundation, which means that the radon mitigation system needs to be constructed accordingly. The first step is to identify the foundation type and then determine which kind of mitigation system would be the best fit. For example, identifying whether the radon exposure is in the basement or crawl space and then implementing the right system yields maximum results.
2. Local Climate
Environmental factors play a role in determining the efficacy of the radon mitigation system. For example, if the radon is in a colder climate with freezing temperatures, it is vital to insulate the pipes venting the radon gas outdoors to prevent freezing. Similarly, in warmer climates, condensation is a concern, which should be addressed promptly.
3. System Installation and Maintenance
If the radon mitigation system’s installation is subpar, the results will be unsatisfactory. It will not protect the intended protection, meaning the chances of people being exposed to the radon gas would be high. This is one of the primary reasons it is encouraged to work alongside certified professionals with proper licensing. Also, time to time maintenance of the deployed system is necessary.
What Are the Components of a Basement Radon Mitigation System?
Every radon mitigation system comprises five primary components, including:
- Radon fan
- U-tube manometer
- Radon system tag
- Active notification monitor
- Suction pit
- Radon pipe
These components are arranged as per the image shown above, and the professionals then install and start the entire system to pull out the radon from the indoors and expel it outside.
Why Should You Consider Installing a Radon Mitigation System?
If you live somewhere with a high risk of radon exposure, installing a mitigation system is an investment for a healthy life for you and your family.
Some of the primary reasons why you should consider installing a basement radon mitigation system are:
- The first benefit is for the health. Since radon exposure is associated with lung cancer, a comprehensive system can keep those numbers in check.
- A home integrated with a radon mitigation system in the U.S has a higher resale value. Not just that, tax exemptions and credits are also available for this, which is an added bonus.
- Lastly, having a radon mitigation system installed will give you peace of mind in the long run, ensuring that you won’t have to struggle with poor air quality and radon exposure in the future.
What are the Pros and Cons of Installing a Radon Mitigation System?
Every coin has two sides, so when it comes to a basement radon mitigation system, there are specific pros and cons you need to be aware of.
Pros of Basement Radon Mitigation System:
| Components | Why it Benefits? |
|---|---|
| Health | By not having to breathe in a radioactive gas, you are doing yourself a favor and reducing the risks of lung cancer and other respiratory complications. |
| Increased home value | A home with a radon mitigation system has a higher resale value than one without. |
| Cost-effective | Installing a radon mitigation system costs between $800 and $2500, but you can get tax credits, avert major health scares, and thus save a lot of money in the long run. |
Cons of Basement Radon Mitigation System:
| Components | Why it is a Downside? |
|---|---|
| Installation process | Installing a radon mitigation system can be disruptive, tearing up the flooring and damaging the home’s foundation, which isn’t something many individuals prefer. |
| Ongoing maintenance | You need to invest in the ongoing system maintenance, including monitoring the radon levels, etc. |
| Aesthetics | The installed radon mitigation system often interferes with the aesthetics of people’s homes, especially with external ventilation systems, large pipes, etc. |
Final Words
The importance of a basement radon mitigation system is not a mere talk but a necessity for many homes. So, if you are curious about it and how it works, we hope this comprehensive guide provides the details you need to kickstart the process in your home. However, the most significant factor to consider when installing this system is only to get it done by professionals so you can have peace of mind in the long run.
