I tested my home for radon and found high levels. What can I do to lower the radon level in my house? – Richard
Hi Richard,
Reducing the level of radon gas in your home is not a do-it-yourself project and should be left to licensed, certified radon mitigation professionals. While radon levels can be lowered, the method will depend on how your home is constructed.
The main method used to reduce radon levels is soil suction, which involves drawing the radon gas from under the house, and venting it through pipes into the air where it quickly dissipates. For homes with a crawlspace, the ground is covered in thick plastic, and a system of pipes and fans are then used to vent any radon gas under the house to the outdoors.
If your home has a basement or is built on a concrete slab, reducing the radon level is more complicated. Vent pipes may be inserted through the slab floor or underneath the slab from the outside. The pipes then draw air from the soil and rock using fans.
In addition to venting the soil below your home, a radon mitigation contractor should also make sure to seal any gaps, cracks, or openings in the foundation.
Because radon gas mitigation is a specialized procedure that requires monitoring to make sure it is working properly, a DIY approach by the homeowner is not recommended.
Good luck with your project,
Further Information
- Radon Gas in Your Home (video)
- Dangers of Radon Gas (article)
- A Citizen’s Guide to Radon (EPA)
- Map of Radon Zones (EPA)
