Radon Levels Can Be Affected By Construction To A New Or Existing Structure
Hazardous levels of radon can occur in any home, old or new. In fact, today’s tightly sealed, energy-efficient homes are at high risk of elevated radon than many older homes. When buying a new home, be sure to ask the builder if it complies with RRNC building code recommendations.
RRNC (Reducing Radon in New Construction) has been receiving increasing attention from the construction and radon industries and the organizations that represent and govern them as well as federal, state and local agencies. The term RRNC refers to the process of preparing a new home for the future installation of a radon system during the early construction phase. RRNC provides opportunities for radon professionals and builders to build in a radon and moisture control system at the best possible time – before the slab is poured.
RRNC does not guarantee a radon-safe home, even if the builder has included installation of an active radon mitigation system. So whether or not the home has been built according to RRNC recommendations, you will want the builder to provide a copy of the results of a radon test performed after all construction was completed. If test results are at or above the U.S. EPA recommended action level of 4 pCi/L and:
– a radon system was not installed, require mitigation by a qualified radon professional.
– a system radon system is present, require inspection by a qualified radon professional.
Protect your family: Test even a newly built home.
