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Maintaining Healthy Air

Maintaining Healthy Air. Radon.

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Maintaining Healthy Air

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  1. Maintaining Healthy Air

  2. Radon • * Radon is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year, according to EPA's 2003 Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R-03-003).  The numbers of deaths from other causes are taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 1999-2001 National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Report and 2002 National Safety Council Reports.

  3. Radon

  4. Radon

  5. What is Radon? • A radioactive gas that comes from the natural decay of uranium and is found in nearly all soils.

  6. Radon • Radon gets into the home through • Cracks in concrete floors • Construction joints • Cracks in walls • Gaps in suspended floors • Gaps around service pipes • Cavities inside walls • The water supply (wells typically)

  7. Radon Radon Resistant Construction Techniques • Gas Permeable LayerThis layer is placed beneath the slab or flooring system to allow the soil gas to move freely underneath the house. In many cases, the material used is a 4-inch layer of clean gravel. • Plastic SheetingPlastic sheeting is placed on top of the gas permeable layer and under the slab to help prevent the soil gas from entering the home. In crawlspaces, the sheeting is placed under the crawlspace floor. • Sealing and CaulkingAll openings in the concrete foundation floor are sealed to reduce soil gas entry into the home. • Vent PipeA 3- or 4-inch gas-tight or PVC pipe (commonly used for plumbing) runs from the gas permeable layer through the house to the roof to safely vent radon and other soil gases above the house. • Junction BoxAn electrical junction box is installed in case an electric venting fan is needed later.

  8. Formaldehyde • What is Formaldehyde? • Formaldehyde is a low cost and common chemical that has a strong pickle-like odor. It is currently used in thousands of products as an adhesive, bonding agent and solvent.

  9. Formaldehyde • Where is it found? • Particle board, plywood, paneling, pressed-wood products • Urea formaldehyde foam insulation • Synthetic fabrics (especially permanent press) • Produced through combustion • Natural gas • Wood • Gasoline • Tobacco

  10. Formaldehyde Health Effects Vary • Eye, nose and throat irritation • Coughing, headaches, dizziness, and nausea The effects of long-term exposure are not well known The United States Environmental Protection Agency has listed formaldehyde as a chemical that can possibly cause cancer in people.

  11. Formaldehyde What is an acceptable level in the home? 0.10 PPM or less If a higher level is measured steps should be taken to mitigate the problem

  12. Formaldehyde Methods for lowering levels • Remove the source • Treat the source • Ventilate • Control the climate • Allow products to off-gas

  13. How are Radon and Formaldehyde Detected? • Radon Detection Kits www.radonzone.com • Formaldehyde www.rkiinstruments.com/pages/fp30.htm

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