Radon tests are becoming more common for buyers purchasing a home in Nebraska. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is the result of decaying uranium in the rock and soil. It is leading cause of cancer for non-smokers in the United States and it is classified as a Class A Carcinogen. The eastern third of Nebraska is considered to be a "High Risk Zone" for elevated radon levels. In Nebraska, there is a 50% chance of elevated radon level above 4 pCi/L (pico-curries/liter of air).
What can be done to reduce radon levels? There are two common types of radon mitigation: ASD (Active Sub Slab Depressurization and ADD (Active Drain Tile Depressurization)
Active Sub-Slab Depressurization (ASD)
This method collects soil gases from beneath the concrete floor slab in the lowest level of the home. This is done by drilling a suction point (a hole that is typically 4" in diameter) through the floor slab, and installing a 4" diameter PVC pipe into the suction point. This pipe in then run from the suction point to the exterior of the home. A vent fan is placed in line with the piping to create negetive air pressure. The radon is pulled from the home instead of entering the home.
Active Drain Tile Depressurization (ADD)
This method can be used if the home has a drain tile waterproofing system around the foundation, the drain tile collects the soil gases. The sump pump pit is covered and sealed and a suction point is made in the cover of the sump pump. PVC piping is connected to the suction point and routed to the exterior of the home.
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If you would like to have your home tested or for more information on radon you should contact a qualifed radon mitigation specialist. Radon Protection Technologies is a licensed in Nebraska and they can be reached at (402) 639-1100. I would like to thank Debbie Kalina for her assistance in writing this post.
Thanks,
David Matney,CRS,GRI
