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! ------- 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. ------- 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. ------- |