Fixing Radon Problems
The good news about radon is that any home with a radon problem can be fixed. You and your family do not have to live with high radon levels. Radon reduction systems work and they are not too costly. Some radon reduction systems can reduce radon levels in the home by up to 99%. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels.
The most common method used to reduce radon in the home is a vent pipe system and fan, which pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it to the outside. This system, known as a soil-suction radon-reduction system or sub-slab depressurization system, does not require major changes to your home. Sealing foundation cracks and other openings makes this kind of system more effective and cost-efficient. Similar systems can be installed in houses with crawl spaces. The right system depends on the design of your home and other factors.
Ways to reduce radon in our home are discussed in EPA’s Consumer’s Guide to Radon Reduction www.epa.gov/radon/pubs
EPA reports that the average house costs about $1,200 for a contractor to fix, although this can range from $800 to $2,500. The cost can be much less if a passive system was installed during construction. Prices in Georgia usually fall between $1,500 and $2,000.
Radon Mitigators
If your radon test results are 4 pCi/L or higher, you should consider taking action immediately to reduce the dangerous Radon level in your home. Lowering high radon levels requires technical knowledge and special skills. Radon Mitigators with NEHA (National Environmental Health Association) Certification are recommended. Choosing someone to fix your radon problem is much like choosing a contractor for other home repairs—you may want to get references and more than one estimate.
List of Georgia Certified Radon Mitigators.
Mitigation and Measurement Training & Certification
For Measurement and Mitigation Training, contact the Southern Regional Radon Training Center: 1-800-626-2703 or carricj@auburn.edu. To become certified, individuals who have completed measurement and/or mitigation training and passed the tests must apply to the National Environmental Health Association (www.neha.nrpp.org) or the National Radon Safety Board (www.nrsb.org).
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