Analysis of Radon Mitigation Techniques Used in Existing US Houses

Abstract

Abstract This paper reviews the full range of techniques that have been installed in existing US houses for the purpose of reducing indoor radon concentrations resulting from soil gas entry. The review addresses the performance, installation and operating costs, applicability, mechanisms, advantages, and disadvantages of each radon mitigation technique. Active soil depressurisation (ASD) techniques are the measures most widely used by mitigation contractors. ASD techniques consistently and reliably provide the highest radon reductions, at costs often competitive with the less effective alternatives. The large majority of existing US houses having elevated radon can be effectively treated using ASD. Various other techniques can be used in houses where ASD is difficult or impractical to apply, or where lesser radon reductions are acceptable. However, these other techniques are always less effective, less reliable, or less well demonstrated than ADS.