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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