Homeowners and real-estate buyers are growing increasingly concerned of the hazards of radon, and this fear is justified. If it is left unattended, radon gas, which can only be detected through equipment, can lead to critical illness. One way of preventing indoor radon exposure is by eliminating cracks and other points of entry for the gas. ANSI/AARST SGM-SF-2017: Soil Gas Mitigation Standards for Existing Homes establishes the minimum requirements needed in the design of single-family residences as a way to reduce radon exposure.
The Dangers of Radon
According to the EPA, radon exposure causes approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Radon is a radioactive gas that can be found almost everywhere, coming from the natural decay of uranium in the soil. It is completely invisible and emits no odor.
Naturally, this gas should mix into the atmosphere once exiting the soil, remaining at a safe level for breathing. However, homes and other buildings can act as traps, forming pockets of radon. It can enter structures through cracks in floors and walls, gaps in pipes and suspended floors, construction joints, and even occasionally through the water supply.
It is ideal to have newer homes built more radon-secure. Radon is generally found in in the first several floors of buildings, which makes single-family dwellings particularly susceptible to them. ANSI/AARST SGM-SF-2017 provides the guidelines that promote safety and quality in the design of residential homes that are three stories or less.
Mitigating Radon in Homes and other Buildings
Sealing openings in the slab, foundation, or crawl space membrane is an important component of the Active Soil Depressurization (ASD) system, since it blocks points of entry for radon and minimizes the amount of conditioned air that can leave the building. Installation of ASD fans is a necessity to remove any radon from the home.
The ANSI/AARST SGM-SF-2017 standard provides guidelines for these fans to run quietly and efficiently. While water is not the main point of entry of radon into buildings, drains that discharge directly into the soil beneath them should be made radon-proof. Specific sealants and caulks to use are laid out in the standard, along with the wiring that needs to be used to power the fans.
The American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) also develop several other American National Standards that provide guidelines for the mitigation and handling of radon gas in private and public buildings. Some of these include:
ANSI/AARST MAH-2019: Protocol For Conducting Measurements Of Radon And Radon Decay Products In Homes
ANSI/AARST CC-1000-2018: Soil Gas Control Systems In New Construction Of Buildings
There are different tests that homeowners can take to tell if radon is in their homes. The EPA recommends first taking a short term test, which lasts from 2 to 90 days. If the short-term test result is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher, there could be too much radon in the home. A long term test should be used to follow-up and confirm.
It is recommended that contractors follow the recommendations set in ANSI/AARST SGM-SF-2017 as they build new homes. Furthermore, building owners should set up an ASD system if they detect a presence of radon.
2020/2021 Revisions to AARST Standards
Please note that some of these American National Standards underwent revisions in late 2020/early 2021 to better harmonize provisions across the different documents. For example, in Dec 2020, ANSI/AARST SGM-SF updated provisions for active soil depressurization (ASD) to read the same as in ANSI/AARST RMS-LB-2018, ANSI/AARST RMS-MF-2018, and ANSI/AARST SGM-SF-2017.
Due to this update, the current designation of the soil gas mitigation standards for existing homes is ANSI/AARST SGM-SF-2017 rev.12-20.
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Very Informative article!! Radon is a very harmful gas and can lead to serious health issues and can be very dangerous for both smoker and non-smokers, its better to take good care of your house and get your house tested for radon and get the mitigation system installed. Its better to take precaution and measures.
This article highlights the need for proper ventilation and other mitigation measures to protect people from the harmful effects of radon and serves as an important reminder of the need to prioritize safety and take action to address potential hazards in our homes and workplaces.
The blog is well-researched, informative, and provides actionable steps for homeowners to take to protect themselves and their families from the dangers of radon.