Research & Writing Assignment:
Radon is a radioactive gas that has been found in all over North America. Radon enters your home through racks and other holes in the foundation. Radon can get trapped in your home. Any home can have a radon problem.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Prior to conducting a Radon inspection I utilized the attached photo to help explain to the client, what is Radon and how can it penetrate the envelope of the home along with a how pressure inside the home can fluctuate and how it affects the amount of Radon detected in a home.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Learned the differences between wind effect, stack effect, and combustion and ventilation effect as it relates to Radon and air pressure in residential properties. How these types really affect the overall readings when conducting a radon monitoring session in a home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Radon is a natural element within the earth that gives off radiation. Radon enters a home mainly through soil.
Radon gas rises up out of the soil and into the home where it will decay giving off Radon Decay Products. RDPs are inhaled by the occupants of the home and damages the tissues inside the human body. Many people test for Radon in their homes to ensure that they arent being exposed to harmful radiation.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking. Because of this, many homeowners test for radon within their homes and if it is over 4 picuries per liter, it is recommended that a mitigation system be installed.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Although this charcoal canister is 20 inches above the floor and 4 inches from any other object it is still properly placed and the test would be void. The canister needs to be placed 36 inches from any exterior door or window to be correct.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I choose the Radon Measurement Location picture. This picture shows a slab on grade foundation with two test locations above the slab. Since there’s no basement you would want to choose a location on the first floor that is a living area and not a kitchen or bathroom. You would place the device 20 inches from the floor, 4 inches from any object, and 36 inches from any exterior window or door.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a pic a foundation wall of a house i did a inspection on.As you can see it is covered in cracks. They did put in sump pumps because of the water problems. If i was to do a radon test and it tested positive i feel that it would be a good idea to get the water tested for radon. With all the cracks in the walls and floor and this being below grade i would suggest getting the water tested.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The home has a finished basement that includes a bedroom. If the client had not already requested a radon test I would strongly suggest doing so. I would inform them of the health dangers of radon and the fact this particular home is in EPA zone 1.
Research & Writing Assignment:
PVC is a ubiquitous material used in everything from home construction to food packaging. The potential health risks of PVC are good for an Inspector to understand should they come up during an inspection. While PVC is flame resistant, it will smolder releasing dangerous gases including the most dangerous man-made carcinogen, dioxin. PVC in other materials, such as shower curtains, can emit harmful chemicals and gases. The key point those concerned should do their own research to understand the benefits and dangers as well as stay informed on the subject.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Dryer ducts- Its important to make sure the duct is vented directly to the outside using UL approved duct. The dryer will produce 1 gallon of moisture per hour. Using vinyl,nylon or foil are below todays minimal standards and my also void the warranty of the dryer. The duct should not be more than 25 feet long. You have to account for the bends. A 45 degree bend counts for 2.5 feet and a 90 degree bend counts for 5 feet so dont forget to add that into you calculations.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Checklist for Inspecting Radon Mitigation Systems in Residential Homes
While radon is colorless and odorless, it is a radioactive gas which is responsible for approximately 21000 deaths annually.
While there is no known “safe” level of radon exposure the EPA recommends mitigation at levels above 4pCu/l with the aim to reduce indoor levels to the same as the average of .2pCu/l of outside air.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Reinspection of home with elevated radon levels revealed a Sub-Slab Depressurization (SSD) Systems installed as remediation. Inspector finds substandard installation. Vent stack terminates within 10 feet of an opening as well as less than ten feet above ground. Sump crock is also inadequately sealed.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
If the black fan in this picture was a passive air discussion radon detector it has been placed for testing partially correct and partially not correct. First of all this is a closed environment. I will advise all doors should be kept closed 12 hours prior to the test. It is located 20" above the floor inside the lowest livable space that is good. It is not good that it has been placed by the air conditioner return air vent.
Research & Writing Assignment:
If the black fan in this picture was a passive air discussion radon detector it has been placed for testing partially correct and partially not correct. First of all this is a closed environment. I will advise all doors should be kept closed 12 hours prior to the test. It is located 20" above the floor inside the lowest livable space that is good. It is not good that it has been placed by the air conditioner return air vent.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a radon mitigation system that was installed on the outside of the home. As you can see it is properly connected and attached to the home. It also extends above the roof line keeping it more than 10 feet from any window.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Radon is a cancer causing gas. The EPA recommend that every home being purchased be tested for high levels of radon. Radon has been found in homes all over the US and is the second largest cause of lung cancer in the US. There are fixes to high levels of radon to bring them down to acceptable levels.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Radon gas is naturally occurring radioactive gas caused by the natural breakdown of Uranium to Radium and then to Radon. The Radon gas contains radon decay products or RDP, that include Polonium which is an alpha particle emitter that is know to cause cellular damage if inhaled.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
While inspection a house 1 year old I found a Radon mitigation pipe in the attic as well as an outlet wired near it. This is great because it allows the owner to have a fan installed to the Radon Mitigation system if needed.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This radon mitigation system was incorrectly installed. The system in the picture expires on the side of the home below a casement window. This is a safety concern, as the radon gases may enter the home when the window is opened. A proper installation would be 10 feet away from any opening i the home, and should expire 12 inches above the roof eaves.
