Beggining June 1st 2009, all new houses built in the state of Minnesota will be required to include features designed to resist or reduce the infiltration of radon gas. State health officials say the change is an important step toward reducing Minnesotans' potential exposure to a cancer-causing gas, but more can be done to reduce radon levels in homes, with testing as the essential first step.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. More than 21,000 deaths are attributed to radon each year in the U.S. according to the U.S. EPA. Radon is an odorless, tasteless gas that forms from the decay of naturally occurring uranium found in rock and soil throughout our state. The primary radon exposure for most people is their home. Radon gets into homes through structural cracks and gaps. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) estimates that one in three homes in Minnesota have levels of radon gas that pose a large health risk over years of exposure.
Nevertheless, radon exposure is a preventable health threat. One of the most cost effective strategies is to include radon-reduction systems in all new construction,
The new requirements will help reduce new homeowners' potential exposure to radon gas. However, there is more that homeowners need to do to reduce their exposure. Even with these new systems, homeowners will still need to test their homes for radon to know whether they may need to do more to reduce their risk of radon-induced lung cancer."
The change to the state building code requires builders to install a "passive" radon mitigation system meaning the the system does not require a powered exhaust fan. These systems reduce soil gas entry points and provide a route to vent the gases to the outdoors safely. A vent pipe is installed into aggregate beneath the basement slab or under a crawl space and generally extends through the roof. An electrical junction box is required to be roughed in the attic near the pipe, so that an active system with a fan can be added easily in the future if needed.
This is just one of the new ways the state of Minnesota is helping provide safety in new homes, but if you live in a home built before the new building code in 2009, it is recommended you test your home for radon levels and see if a radon mitigation system is required for you or family.
Randy King, Progressive Home Services. Serving Greater Mankato, St. Paul, Minneapolis and South Central Minnesota Communities.
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