What is radon gas and where does it come from?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It is produced from the decay of uranium found in soil, rock, and water. As uranium decays, it transforms into radium, which subsequently decays into radon gas. This gas can seep through cracks and gaps in the foundation of buildings and accumulate to high levels indoors, particularly in basements and ground floors.
Why is radon dangerous?
Radon gas is dangerous primarily because of its radioactive properties. When inhaled, radon decay products (also known as radon progeny) can attach to the lining of the lungs and emit radiation, which can damage lung tissue and lead to lung cancer. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer, after smoking.
How can buildings be protected against radon?
Protecting buildings from radon involves several strategies, which can be implemented during the construction of new buildings or as mitigation measures in existing structures:
Pre-construction measures:
- Gas membranes: Installing radon-resistant membranes during construction to prevent radon from entering the building.
- Proper ventilation: Ensuring good ventilation in basements and crawl spaces.
- Sealants: Sealing cracks and openings in the foundation to reduce radon entry.
Post-construction measures:
- Sub-slab depressurisation: Installing a system that draws radon from beneath the building and vents it outside.
- Increase ventilation: Using fans and other ventilation systems to reduce radon levels indoors.
- Radon sumps: Creating a collection point under the foundation where radon can be safely vented away from the building.
How PAGeoContracting can provide radon protection for buildings
PAGeoContracting specialises in the installation of gas membranes to prevent radon infiltration in new buildings. Our service includes:
Site assessment:
- Initial survey: Conducting a site survey to assess radon risk levels and determine the most effective protection strategy.
- Planning: Designing a comprehensive radon mitigation plan tailored to the specific site conditions.
Installation of gas membranes:
- Selection of membrane: Choosing the appropriate type of gas membrane based on the building’s specifications and radon risk assessment.
- Preparation: Preparing the building site by ensuring a smooth and clean foundation surface for membrane installation.
- Laying the membrane: Carefully laying the gas membrane over the foundation area. This involves:
- Overlap sealing: Overlapping membrane sheets and sealing joints to ensure a continuous barrier.
- Sealing penetrations: Sealing around any penetrations (e.g., pipes, ducts) to prevent radon entry points.
- Edge sealing: Securing the edges of the membrane to the foundation walls or other structural elements.
Quality assurance:
- Inspection: Conducting thorough inspections to ensure the membrane is installed correctly and no gaps or breaches exist.
- Testing: Performing post-installation tests to verify the effectiveness of the radon barrier.
Documentation and certification:
- Providing documentation: Supplying detailed documentation of the installation process and materials used.
- Certification: Issuing a certificate of compliance to confirm that the building meets radon protection standards.
By implementing these steps, PAGeoContracting ensures that new buildings are protected from radon infiltration, thereby safeguarding occupants’ health and complying with safety regulations.
