Radon Resistant in New Construction Page 1 of 2
Environmental Health Center
Radon Reduction in New Construction
Why Should You Build Homes
with Radon-Resistant Techniques?
These Techniques —
Make 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.
Are Easy to Upgrade When There Is a Need to Increase the Radon Reduction
If high radon levels are found, the techniques allow for easy and inexpensive installation of a fan for
increased radon reduction in the home. Every new home should be tested for radon by the homeowner
after occupancy.
Are Cost-Effective for Home Buyers
It is more cost-effective to include radon-resistant techniques while building a home, rather than
installing a radon reduction system in an existing home.
For Example:
Materials and labor costs for Radon-Resistant Techniques vs.
Retrofitting an Existing Home is $350 to $500 vs. $800 to $2,500
(a 128% to 400% saving!)
Some construction companies successfully use this as a marketing advantage.
Improve the Home's Energy Efficiency
Radon-resistant construction techniques provide an average of $65 per year in energy savings for the
homeowner.
Radon-Resistant Construction Techniques
There are five major parts to the passive radon-resistant system:
1. A layer of gas-permeable material under the foundation (usually four inches of gravel)
2. Plastic sheeting over the gas-permeable material
3. Sealant and caulk on all openings in the concrete foundation floor
4. A gas-tight three- or four-inch vent pipe that runs from under the foundation through the house
to the roof
http://www.nsc.org/ehc/radon/construc.htm 9/10/2004
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Radon Resistant in New Construction Page 2 of 2
5. A roughed-in electrical junction box for the future installation of a fan, if needed
These features create a physical barrier to radon entry. The vent pipe prevents radon from entering your
home by drawing the radon from below the ouse and venting it to the air outside where it then dilutes
with the outside air.
Related Issues
EPA_'_s__En_ergy_ ..Star. JEiorneiJProgram
For more information, call (800) 557-2366 or send us an e~mail message.
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Environmental Health Center
A Division of the National Safety Council
1025 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 293-2270 (tel); (202) 293-0032 (fax)
October 15, 1998 Disclaimer/PoJicy
http://www.nsc.org/ehc/radon/construc.htm 9/10/2004
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