What Is Radon Mitigation?

 

During a building inspection, you may find yourself with an unexpected danger: radon. A radioactive gas emitted by trace uranium in soils, radon can accumulate in a building and present risks of lung cancer; for nonsmokers, it is the single greatest cause of lung cancer, and it only worsens the odds for smokers. To keep your employees and clients safe, commercial building radon mitigation services from a reputable company such as Radon Solutions California are vital.

Radon gas exists in the air almost anywhere, but it concentrates indoors because it cannot disperse as much within an enclosed area. Improved ventilation can allow more air exchange to remove radon from your building. Since the gas originates in the soil, though, effective mitigation takes place underneath the foundation or in crawlspaces. This is especially true if radon levels are already high and must be lowered quickly.

Commercial building radon mitigation involves the same basic processes and equipment as residential mitigation. Piping is set under the foundation or in the crawlspace and sealed to create a vapor barrier. At the external end of the pipe, a depressurization system creates a vacuum in the space or the soil itself, extracting radon and other soil gases and venting them safely outside. Additional preparations may vary based on the structure of the building and its foundation.

Mechanical ventilation can aid in the removal of radon gas from the building itself, particularly if the indoor radon is emitted from building materials such as concrete. Secondary systems such as energy recovery ventilators may be necessary to prevent a buildup of humidity leading to mold growth. The radon mitigation contractor will check for any factors that might impact this and advise accordingly.

Though the health risks imposed by radon are great, prompt action can resolve the issue safely. For the wellbeing of your employees and clients, be sure to look into commercial building radon mitigation with local businesses.