WHERE CAN I GET MORE
INFORMATION?
For your free copy of EPA's Model
S^ndards and T^-hniques for
in New Residential
o
, call 1-800-53RADON.
Free architectural drawings of
radon-resistant construction
techniques are also available by
calling 1-800-55RADON.
The American Society of Testing and
Materials (ASTM) has a Standard
Guide (E 1465-92$ on radon-resistant
construction. .It contains construction
techniques similar to those in the
EPA Mnftel Standards. Call
215-299-5585 for more information
on obtaining this Standard Guide.
The National Association of Home
Builders has information on radon-
resistant techniques in fJheir Energy
and Home Environment Department
(1-800-368-5242 ext.244).
EPA has developed a county-
by-county Map of Radon Zones.
While any home in any county may
have high radon levels, about 1/3 of
the counties have been identified as
having the greatest risk. For a copy
of this map, contact your State Radon
*. Program Office.
States, counties, and cities have
begun to incorporate nadon-resistant
techniques into their building codes.
For more information, contact
Jennifer L, Keller, U.S. EPA, at
202-233-9338.
RADON-RESISTANT
CONSTRUCTION
IN
NEW HOMES
Prevention
It's a good idea!
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WHY BUILD HOMES WITH
RADON-RESISTANT
TECHNIQUES?
Makes Homes Safer from Radon!
These construction techniques help block
radon from entering the home. The
occupants will benefit from lower radon
levels in their new home.
Easy to Upgrade
If high radon levels are found, the
techniques allow for easy and inexpensive
installation of a fan for increased radon
reduction in the home. Ever/new home
should be tested for radon by the
homeowner after occupancy.
Cost-Effective for Home Buyers
It is more cost-effective to include
radon-resistant techniques while building '
a home, rather than retrofitting an existing
home.
Materials and labor cost
Radon-Resistant Techniques
$350 - $500
vs.
Retrofitting an Existing Home
$800-$2,500
Some construction companies use this as a
marketing advantage.
Improves Energy-Efficiency
Radon-resistant construction, techniques
provide an average of $65 per year in
energy savings for the homeowner.
WHAT IS RADON?
Radon is a naturally occurring gas
produced by the breakdown of uranium in
soil, rock, and water. Radon cannot be
detected by sight, smell, or taste and is
estimated to cause 7,000 to 30,000 deaths
from lung cancer per year. It can become
a health risk when trapped indoors where
it can build to high levels. Radon can
enter a home or building through dirt
floors; hollow block walls; cracks in the
foundation floor and walls; and openings
around floor drains, pipes, and sump
pumps!
Radon can enter and collect inside homes
and other buildings that are not built with
radon-resistant techniques. However,
buildings constructed with radon-resistant
techniques can ensure lower radon levels,
energy-efficiency, and a safer home.
RADON FACTS
High levels of radon have been
found in every State.
1 out of every 15. homes is
estimated to have high radon
levels.
Levels can vary widely, even from
home to home in the same
neighb.orhood.
Radon is the second leading cause
of lung cancer.
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There are five major parts to passive
radon-resistant construction techniques:
1) a layer of gas permeable material
, under the foundation (usually 4" of
gravel);
2) plastic sheeting over that material;
3) sealing and caulking all openings
in the concrete foundation floor;
4) installation of a gas-tight 3" or 4"
vent pipe that runs from under the
foundation through the house to the
roof; and
5) a roughed-in electrical junction
box for the future installation of a
fan, if needed.
These features create a physical bzurier to
radon entry. The vent pipe redirects the flow
of air under the foundation, preventing radon
from seeping into the house.
IS THERE A GUIDE FOR
BUILDING WITH
RADON-RESISTANT
TECHNIQUES?
Model Standards and Techniques for
Control of Radon in New Residential
Buildings is available from your
State Radon office or by calling
1-800-55RADON.
These Model Standards, developed
by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency and the building industry,
detail how to install radon-resistant
techniques during construction of
homes.
The Model Standards are useful for
builders, architects, prospective
home buyers, realtors, building code
-officials, home inspectors, and others
whp have interest in new home
construction.
The radon-resistant techniques use
common building materials and
methods. The techniques are passive
and easy to install.
The Model Standards are supported
by the National Association of Home
Builders for areas of high radon
potential.
The American Society for Testing
and Materials (ASTM) published a
Standard Guide for Radon Control
Options for the Design and
Construction of New Low-Rise
Residential Buildings (E 1465-92).
The techniques are similar to those
found in the EPA Model Standards.
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