Radon in ConstructionRadon in Construction

Cindy Ladage & Patrick DanielsCindy Ladage & Patrick Daniels

What is Radon?What is Radon?

Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, naturally-occurring, radioactive gas.naturally-occurring, radioactive gas.

The Surgeon General of the United States: The Surgeon General of the United States: “Indoor radon is the second-leading cause of “Indoor radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and lung cancer in the United States and breathing it over prolonged periods can breathing it over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk to families all present a significant health risk to families all over the country.”over the country.”

R. William Field, PhD. R. William Field, PhD. College of Public HealthCollege of Public Health

Radon is our Radon is our leading leading environmental environmental cause of cancer cause of cancer mortality in the mortality in the United States and United States and seventh leading seventh leading cause of cancer cause of cancer mortality overall.mortality overall.

Lung CancerLung Cancer Mortality Rates Mortality Rates

                                                                                                    

                                                

Estimated Mortality of Lung Cancer in 2009"2009 Facts & Figures" - American Cancer Society

27,36040,610

49,920

159,390

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

140,000

160,000

180,000

Lung Colon/Rectal Breast Prostate

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Radon Exposure Is Linked to Lung Radon Exposure Is Linked to Lung Cancer From Inhalation of the GasCancer From Inhalation of the Gas

Radon and Radon Decay Radon and Radon Decay Products (RDPs) are Products (RDPs) are breathed in and the Radon is breathed in and the Radon is exhaled.exhaled.

RDPs remain in lung tissue RDPs remain in lung tissue and emit alpha particles and emit alpha particles which strike lung cells and which strike lung cells and may cause physical and/or may cause physical and/or chemical damage to DNAchemical damage to DNA..

Illinois Policy on RadonIllinois Policy on Radon

IEMA recommends testing throughout Illinois.IEMA recommends testing throughout Illinois.

IEMA recommends mitigation if the radon level IEMA recommends mitigation if the radon level is 4.0 pCi/L or more.is 4.0 pCi/L or more.

Radon LegislationRadon Legislation

Radon Industry Licensing ActRadon Industry Licensing Act (RILA) (RILA)

Radon Awareness ActRadon Awareness Act

Real Property Disclosure ActReal Property Disclosure Act

None of these Acts require radon None of these Acts require radon testing or mitigation.testing or mitigation.

Sources of Radiation Sources of Radiation Exposure to US public Exposure to US public

20092009

Radon - 37%Radon - 37%Medical X-Rays - 12%Medical X-Rays - 12%

Other - 1%Other - 1%

Internal - 5%Internal - 5%

Nuclear Medicine – 12%Nuclear Medicine – 12%

Consumer Products - 2%Consumer Products - 2%

Terrestrial - 3%Terrestrial - 3%Cosmic - 5%Cosmic - 5%

Average Exposure Average Exposure 620 mrem620 mrem

Assumes average Assumes average indoor radon indoor radon concentration of 1.3 concentration of 1.3 pCi/L.pCi/L.

Radon is by far the Radon is by far the greatest single greatest single source of radiation source of radiation exposure to the exposure to the general public.general public.

CAT Scans - 24%CAT Scans - 24%

Source: National Council on Radiation Protection (NCRP Report 160)

Sources of Radiation Sources of Radiation Exposure in IllinoisExposure in Illinois

Radon - 67%Radon - 67%

Medical X-Rays - 6%Medical X-Rays - 6%

Other - < 1%Other - < 1%

Internal - 2%Internal - 2%

Nuclear Medicine – 6%Nuclear Medicine – 6%

Consumer Products - 1%Consumer Products - 1%

Terrestrial - 2%Terrestrial - 2%

Cosmic - 3%Cosmic - 3%

Average Exposure Average Exposure 1,170 mrem1,170 mrem

Assumes average Assumes average Illinois indoor radon Illinois indoor radon concentration of 4.4 concentration of 4.4 pCi/L.pCi/L.

Radon is by far the Radon is by far the greatest single source greatest single source of radiation exposure of radiation exposure to the general public to the general public in Illinois.in Illinois.

CAT Scans - 24%CAT Scans - 24%

Indoor Radon Became an Indoor Radon Became an Issue in 1984Issue in 1984

Mr. Watrus set off alarms at the Limmerick Mr. Watrus set off alarms at the Limmerick Nuclear Power Plant when entering.Nuclear Power Plant when entering.

Stanley Watrus measured 2700 picocuries of Stanley Watrus measured 2700 picocuries of radon per liter (pCi/L) of air in his Pennsylvania radon per liter (pCi/L) of air in his Pennsylvania home.home.

The Watrus case brought the indoor radon The Watrus case brought the indoor radon problem to the public attention and that of the problem to the public attention and that of the USEPA.USEPA.

Radon Risk Radon Risk in Perspectivein Perspective

Comparative Risk Assessments by EPA Comparative Risk Assessments by EPA and its Science Advisory Board have and its Science Advisory Board have consistently ranked Radon among the consistently ranked Radon among the top four Environmental risks to the top four Environmental risks to the PublicPublic

In 1998 In 1998 Harvard Risk in PerspectiveHarvard Risk in Perspective, by , by John Graham, ranked Radon the #1 risk John Graham, ranked Radon the #1 risk in the Homein the Home

8001,000

21,000

15,800

4,8003,300

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

Radon Falls Poisoning Fires Choking Drowning

Home Safety Council RisksHome Safety Council Risks

How did radon originate in How did radon originate in Illinois?Illinois?

Glaciers from Glaciers from Canada deposited Canada deposited uranium in the soil.uranium in the soil.

Radon results from Radon results from the uranium the uranium deposits.deposits.

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Where does radon come from?Where does radon come from?Naturally Occurring Uranium is Naturally Occurring Uranium is

the Source of Radonthe Source of Radon

4.5 billionURANIUM

RADON3.8DAYS

RADIUM

1600 YEARS

Radon EntryRadon Entry

Radon enters through any opening between Radon enters through any opening between the building and the soil.the building and the soil.

Air pressure differentials between the building Air pressure differentials between the building and outside air.and outside air.

Common entry points are the foundation wall Common entry points are the foundation wall joint, crawlspace, and sump pits.joint, crawlspace, and sump pits.

Stopping Radon at the BeginningStopping Radon at the Beginning

Radon Resistant Radon Resistant New Construction New Construction

(RRNC)(RRNC)

Since 1995, radon control methods have Since 1995, radon control methods have been part of the International Code been part of the International Code Council, Inc. (ICCI) “One and Two Family Council, Inc. (ICCI) “One and Two Family Dwelling Code.”Dwelling Code.”

Does your local building code address Does your local building code address radon?radon?

What does the Construction Literature Say About Radon?

National Association of National Association of Home BuildersHome Builders

The National Association of Home Builders The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) estimates that one in every six (NAHB) estimates that one in every six homes is built radon resistant in the United homes is built radon resistant in the United States every year, averaging about 200,000 States every year, averaging about 200,000 homes annually.homes annually.

In Zone One areas the NAHB estimates In Zone One areas the NAHB estimates about one in every three homes are built with about one in every three homes are built with RRNC features.RRNC features.

Radon Resistant New Radon Resistant New Construction is EffectiveConstruction is Effective

According to the USEPA, Radon Resistant New According to the USEPA, Radon Resistant New Construction effectively reduces radon levels by an Construction effectively reduces radon levels by an average of about 50% and, in most cases, to levels average of about 50% and, in most cases, to levels below the below the 4.0 pCi/L4.0 pCi/L action level. action level.

What do the What do the numbers mean?numbers mean?

From 1985 to 2003 approximately 770,000 From 1985 to 2003 approximately 770,000 homes have been mitigated and 1,200,000 homes have been mitigated and 1,200,000 new homes built radon resistant. USEPA new homes built radon resistant. USEPA estimates that at this rate, approximately estimates that at this rate, approximately 650 lives will be saved annually.650 lives will be saved annually.

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BenefitsBenefits

• What are the benefits of using radon What are the benefits of using radon resistant new construction? resistant new construction? • Low – CostLow – Cost• Prevention of LiabilityPrevention of Liability• Marketing AdvantageMarketing Advantage• AestheticsAesthetics• Changing Building CodesChanging Building Codes• & fewer callbacks for moisture related & fewer callbacks for moisture related

problems.*problems.**Radon-resistant Construction for Builders, Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources*Radon-resistant Construction for Builders, Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources..

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Cost ComparisonCost Comparison

New Home New Home ConstructionConstruction

$350 - $500$350 - $500per-homeper-home

(Labor and (Labor and materials)materials)

Mitigate Existing Mitigate Existing HomeHome

$800 - $2500$800 - $2500per-homeper-home

(Labor and (Labor and materials)materials)

Who can install a passive Who can install a passive radon reduction system?radon reduction system?

The builder or contractor can install the passive system. The builder or contractor can install the passive system. Activation through the adding of a fan requires a radon Activation through the adding of a fan requires a radon mitigator licensed with the Illinois Emergency mitigator licensed with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.Management Agency.

Passive New ConstructionPassive New Construction

Consists of a vent pipe for a Consists of a vent pipe for a sub-slab depressurization sub-slab depressurization systemsystem

Relies only on convective flow Relies only on convective flow of air upward in the vent pipeof air upward in the vent pipe

May, or may not, reduce May, or may not, reduce indoor radon below 4 pCi/Lindoor radon below 4 pCi/L

Skeletal New ConstructionSkeletal New Construction

Not Recommended - does not Not Recommended - does not usually effectively reduce radon.usually effectively reduce radon.

May require installation of a vent May require installation of a vent fan after construction. fan after construction.

May consist of multiple vent May consist of multiple vent pipes of vertical and angled runs pipes of vertical and angled runs that may be joined to a single that may be joined to a single termination above the roof or termination above the roof or may terminate separately above may terminate separately above the roof.the roof.

Here is an overview of some of the techniques:*Here is an overview of some of the techniques:*

Gas Permeable LayerGas Permeable LayerThis layer is placed beneath the slab or flooring system to allow This layer is placed beneath the slab or flooring system to allow the soil gas to move freely underneath the house. In many the soil gas to move freely underneath the house. In many cases, the material used is a 4-inch layer of clean gravel.cases, the material used is a 4-inch layer of clean gravel.   

Plastic SheetingPlastic SheetingPlastic sheeting is placed on top of the gas permeable layer Plastic sheeting is placed on top of the gas permeable layer and under the slab to help prevent the soil gas from entering and under the slab to help prevent the soil gas from entering the home. In crawlspaces, the sheeting is placed over the the home. In crawlspaces, the sheeting is placed over the crawlspace floor.crawlspace floor.   

Sealing and CaulkingSealing and CaulkingAll openings in the concrete foundation floor are sealed to All openings in the concrete foundation floor are sealed to reduce soil gas entry into the home.reduce soil gas entry into the home.   

Vent PipeVent PipeA 3- or 4-inch gas-tight or PVC pipe (commonly used for A 3- or 4-inch gas-tight or PVC pipe (commonly used for plumbing) runs from the gas permeable layer through the plumbing) runs from the gas permeable layer through the house to the roof to safely vent radon and other soil gases house to the roof to safely vent radon and other soil gases above the house.above the house.   

Junction BoxJunction BoxAn electrical junction box is installed in case an electric venting An electrical junction box is installed in case an electric venting fan is needed later. fan is needed later.

*http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/construc.html*http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/construc.html

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• An example of the 6 Mil Polyethylene Sheeting

Passive System ComponentsPassive System Components

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• Seal and Caulk All Openings in the Foundation Floor.

Passive System ComponentsPassive System Components

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Allow space for future fan installation in attic or Allow space for future fan installation in attic or outside habitable space.outside habitable space.

On each floor and in the attic label the radon vent On each floor and in the attic label the radon vent piping…..piping…..

Radon Reduction SystemRadon Reduction System

Ensure Cost Savings toHomeowner at Activation

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Above the highest eave (at least 12 inches above Above the highest eave (at least 12 inches above the roof) and as close to the roof ridge line as the roof) and as close to the roof ridge line as possible.possible.

10 feet from any window, door or other opening 10 feet from any window, door or other opening (into the building) that is less than 2 feet below the (into the building) that is less than 2 feet below the exhaust point.exhaust point.

10 feet or more from any opening into an adjacent 10 feet or more from any opening into an adjacent building.building.

Vent Stack Discharge Point

Requirements

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Typical Fan Designs

Radon Vent Fan Radon Vent Fan Placement Placement

Radon vent fans shall be installed:Radon vent fans shall be installed: In attics.In attics. Garages that are not beneath a heated or cooled space.Garages that are not beneath a heated or cooled space. On the exterior of the building.On the exterior of the building.

Where Radon Vent Fans Shall Where Radon Vent Fans Shall Not Be PlacedNot Be Placed

Below ground.Below ground.

In heated or cooled space of a building.In heated or cooled space of a building.

In a basement, crawlspace, or other interior location directly In a basement, crawlspace, or other interior location directly beneath the conditioned spaces of a building.beneath the conditioned spaces of a building.

Radon Mitigation System ChecklistRadon Mitigation System Checklist

Available from IEMAAvailable from IEMA

The checklist is a tool for The checklist is a tool for inspecting both active and inspecting both active and passive radon mitigation passive radon mitigation systems.systems.

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Radon Systems Must BeRadon Systems Must BeAble to DrainAble to Drain

All radon piping must be sloped to allow drainage.All radon piping must be sloped to allow drainage.

Water in radon system is primarily from condensation Water in radon system is primarily from condensation inside piping.inside piping.

Overall Effectiveness of Passive Overall Effectiveness of Passive SystemsSystems

Radon Resistant New Construction (RRNC) methods were used Radon Resistant New Construction (RRNC) methods were used voluntarily by 11 contractors in the city of East Moline & voluntarily by 11 contractors in the city of East Moline & were effective were effective lowering indoor radon levels below levels that would have been presentlowering indoor radon levels below levels that would have been present had the same house been built without the system.had the same house been built without the system.

41% of the homes tested in East Moline (19/46) had levels > 4.0 pico-41% of the homes tested in East Moline (19/46) had levels > 4.0 pico-curies per liter (pCi/L) when the passive system was non-operational. curies per liter (pCi/L) when the passive system was non-operational. The only way to see if the passive system is effective is to…..The only way to see if the passive system is effective is to…..Test!Test!

LaFollette, S., & Dickey, T. Air & Waste Management AssocLaFollette, S., & Dickey, T. Air & Waste Management Assoc. §1:102-. §1:102-108, Volume 51, January 2001.108, Volume 51, January 2001.

Upgrading is EasyUpgrading is Easy

If, after construction is completed, radon If, after construction is completed, radon levels are at or above levels are at or above 4.0 pCi/L4.0 pCi/L, contact a , contact a Licensed Mitigator and simply activate the Licensed Mitigator and simply activate the system.system.

Homes with a passive system can be Homes with a passive system can be upgraded to an active system with the upgraded to an active system with the simple installation of an in-line fan.simple installation of an in-line fan.

Who can install the fan to make the passive system Who can install the fan to make the passive system active?active?

Only a licensed professional mitigator with a license from Only a licensed professional mitigator with a license from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (or the the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (or the resident of the home).resident of the home).

Corrective ActionsCorrective Actions

Interested in being a licensed Interested in being a licensed mitigation professional?mitigation professional?

Take the state approved qualification course Take the state approved qualification course and pass the state licensing exam.and pass the state licensing exam.

Complete a Quality Assurance Plan and a Complete a Quality Assurance Plan and a Worker Protection PlanWorker Protection Plan

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Can Radon Mitigation System Cause Can Radon Mitigation System Cause a Water Problem?a Water Problem?

A properly installed radon mitigation system should A properly installed radon mitigation system should not cause a water problem nor will it typically fix a not cause a water problem nor will it typically fix a wet basement.wet basement.

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Requirements of Post Requirements of Post Mitigation TestingMitigation Testing

Must wait 24 hours after the mitigation installation before Must wait 24 hours after the mitigation installation before starting the post mitigation test.starting the post mitigation test.

A short term test is placed in same location as first test.A short term test is placed in same location as first test.

Must be tested in accordance with approved protocol.Must be tested in accordance with approved protocol.

Must test system within 30 days.Must test system within 30 days.

Recommend re-testing every 2 years.Recommend re-testing every 2 years.

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More InformationMore Information

Cindy LadageCindy Ladage (217) 785-9889(217) 785-9889cindy.ladage@illinois.govcindy.ladage@illinois.gov

Patrick DanielsPatrick Daniels (217) 782-1325(217) 782-1325Patrick.daniels@illinois.govPatrick.daniels@illinois.gov