What is a Radon Mitigation System?

Radon is a very radioactive element that is found in the air and water as a byproduct of the breakdown of uranium.  People face more danger when exposed to radon through the air instead of from ingesting it.  Radon exposure leads to a higher risk of lung cancer.  Homes can be protected from radon exposure through installation of a radon mitigation system.

Purpose

Radon mitigation systems provide a way for hazardous and radioactive radon gasses to exit a home without any human contact.  These systems are installed to protect the health of people who live in the home from exposure to radiation.

Radon Testing

Radon enters a home through concrete block in the foundation of a home and any cracks in the foundation.   The gas flows up through the home and is inhaled by its inhabitants.  The presence of radon in a home is difficult to detect because the gas is odorless and colorless.  There are a couple ways to test for radon though.  Home testing kits can be purchased to evaluate the amount of radon in a home or a professional can be hired to come in and measure the amounts of radon.

Installing a radon mitigation system

To install a radon mitigation system, holes from the very bottom of a home to the very top must be made for the pipe to go through.  In the basement, concrete needs to be applied around the PVC pipe so that no air can escape around the pipe, letting radon into the air.  Close to the top of the home, a fan needs installed which runs and pulls the air up from under the basement out through the roof and outside the home.  Where the pipe comes out of the roof, make sure to install flashing to keep the water off the roof and out of the hole the PVC pipe came out of.