CCAH-2020

Reducing Radon in New Construction of ANSI/AARST CCAH 2020 1 & 2 Family Dwellings and Townhouses 19 EXHIBIT 2 – Sample Form for Occupants Understanding an Active Radon Reduction System Radon is a radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the United States. It comes from uranium decay in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. The radon potential of any specific building lot is dependent on whether there is sufficient radon source material in the ground near your home’s foundation. Radon typically moves through the ground to the air above and into your home through gaps and other pathways in the foundation. The primary health concern associated with radon is lung cancer. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 21,000 people die in the US each year from radon -induced lung cancer due to exposure in the home. Radon Reduction System: Your new home was constructed with an Active Soil Depressurization ( ASD ) System to protect your family’s health. The ASD system is designed to limit radon entry into your home by keeping the soil under your home at a lower pressure than the air in your home. In doing so, radon and other soil gases below your home are exhausted above your roof through a specially designed fan. An ASD system is recognized by the EPA as the Best Available Technology for radon control because it keeps much of the radon from entering your home. The system is designed to run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The electrical power required to run the fan, which is the only active component in the system, will typically cost 5 to 25 cents per day depending upon the type of fan and your electrical utility rates. Cost to operate this fan would be less than operating a normal light bulb. System Maintenance: Your ASD System is designed to provide many years of service under normal conditions without significant maintenance. As the occupant of this home, you need to routinely check the system pressure gauge or other system monitor to verify that the fan is operating correctly. There are various labeled components of your radon system such as pipe, crawlspace membrane, fan, system pressure monitor and sump basin. DO NOT ALTER OR DISCONNECT any of these components. If the sump basin is opened for required maintenance or repair, restore to the original condition immediately after completing work. You also need to be aware that foundation settling, renovations or additions to your home can change your indoor radon concentrations. A certified radon mitigation professional can provide guidance when changes are to be made to the dwelling or provide a routine check-up on the operation of the system.