Radon is a naturally occurring gas that leads to over 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the United States. Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive carcinogen that most commonly enters the home up through the foundation and becomes trapped inside. All foundation types are susceptible to radon transmission from the soil, including homes in a basement, crawl space, and even slab on grade homes. Once radon enters the home, the stack effect pushes the gas upwards through the home, leaving anyone inside at risk of exposure. The taller the home, the more efficient the stack effect is at pushing the gas up, much like a chimney; the taller the structure, the more draw there is. The EPA states that extended exposure to radon, especially at levels over 4.0 pCi/L, greatly increases health risks. Testing the radon level in homes is suggested to be completed once every 2-5 years to ensure a healthy environment is maintained. Statistically, 1 in every 15 homes is estimated to have a high radon level that needs to have a properly designed and installed radon mitigation system.

Radon is emitted from uranium deposits found in soil and rock. When radon is emitted and trapped under a foundation, it pushes into homes. Many homes today have a negative pressure that, in effect, pulls radon up through the foundation. As most newer homes are sealed tightly to help with energy efficiency, the negative pressure inside generally increases, contributing to higher radon levels.

Once testing is complete, a professionally designed and installed radon reduction system can bring radon levels back down to a safe number if radon is detected. Many homes’ variables can affect a proper radon mitigation system design as each home is unique and must be viewed this way to ensure the system is adequate to keep the home safe. Schmitt Waterproofing offers custom-tailored radon reduction systems for each home to ensure that any high radon levels will be brought down.