Radon Gas Vents

The radon pipe that vents radon gas from a building is a very important component of a radon abatement system.
Radon gas vents. The us is divided into 3 radon zones 1 2 and 3 with 1 having the highes potential for radon. In this example even though it does not technically adhere to the epa radon mitigation standards it does adhere to the heart of the safety issue. It s not a problem everywhere but the bedrock in some regions produces enough radon. The radon mitigation pipe system must be completely sealed so that this cancer causing gas isn t forced back into the home.
Radon is a radioactive gas and known to be a carcinogen. Pvc pipe is the most popular material used not only for drain and vent pipe for plumbing but radon abatement systems. Radon gas was not high on the radar of builders and home owners over the last few decades but as it is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking in the usa canada it is quickly becoming a household term many newer homes will have radon barriers and vents but the question remains of how to deal with high levels of. When installing an asd system for radon reduction any openings major cracks and penetrations in the building slab or membrane must be sealed.
The negative pressure draws the radon gas to the suction point s where it is sucked through the radon system and vented to a safe elevation above the. Schedule 40 pvc vent pipe using 3 in. A active radon vent fan is installed to create a permanent and consistent negative pressure within the system. Even though the radon pipe does not extend above the roof as close to the ridge as possible it discharges the radon gas in a safe way while reducing the vent height by 15 to 20 feet.
An odorless gas radon is the result of the nuclear decay of naturally occurring uranium in the earth. The radon mitigation pipe system must be totally sealed to impede the gas to go back into your home. Radon gas in crawlspaces basements why is it a problem. Hence typical air venting ducts are not used.
If you breathe it in an it decays in your lungs bad things can happen. Although serving a different purpose this vent pipe. The radonaway rp145c radon fan is built to resist moisture and can be mounted inside or outside on a 3 in. In a house with forced air heating and cooling radon gas can easily be distributed throughout the entire dwelling.
It is however a noble gas with no chemical affinity but is easily influenced by air movements and pressure. Some areas have a lot of it. Radon gas is approximately 7 5 times heavier than air. Run a 3 inch or 4 inch solid pvc schedule 40 pipe like the ones commonly used for plumbing vertically from the gravel layer stubbed up when the slab is poured through the house s conditioned space and roof to safely vent radon and other soil gases outside above the house.
Radon is a radioactive element in the decay chain of uranium. The radon pipe that vents radon gas from a building is an essential part of a radon abatement system.