Ghosting
Many particulates tend to stick to the surfaces of materials with which they come into contact, and there are two reasons for this. The first is those particles are sticky! Particulates from cooking are a good example of this process.
Anotherreason that airborne particles are attracted to a surface is that all airborne particles and surfaces carry an electrical charge. In the world of electrical charges, opposites attract. A negatively charged airborne particle will be attracted to a positively charged surface. So, if they come close enough to each other, the negatively-charged particle will land on and stick to the positively-charged surface.
This house had a submembrane depressurization system. Though the membrane appeared to be in installed correctly and in good shape, I recommended removal of junk and debris and then a subsequent inspection of membrane. I also recommended a future radon test to insure the system was functioning properly and that levels were below the EPA threshold.
Ionizing radiation exposure to the public happens through a number of means. The highest exposure comes from Radon at 55%. The next two are medical X-rays and internal sources. Both at 11%. The rest is rounded out by terrestrial (8%), cosmic (8%), nuclear medicine (4%) and consumer products (3%).
This is a picture of an active radon mitigation system. Radon is a deadly gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Often overlooked when buying a home, this gas can cause serious issues if not checked out. If it is found that radon levels are at or above 4 picocuries per liter of air in an existing home, then a mitigation process needs to be implemented.
I chose to write about the “Aging in Place” article. This was a topic that I never considered but makes sense. as inspectors, we are used to a younger couple having a starter home and then relocating. Everyone’s situation is different so helping a customer decide early on how they would want to make their home appropriate for the years of aging in that home is really beneficial.
I am lead to believe from what i can gather about the house that I am currently renting is that it is using a passive radon mitigation system. It does has a full basement level that is finished and livable. It also is in the Denver, CO area which seems to be a Zone 1 or 2 part of the country from what I can gather. Without being able to see specs on the house itself, I would still believe that the house is using some type of passive sub-slab depressurization system as I have found no evidence of it even being retrofitted for use of making it an active system. The attic storage space in the house is lightly insulated and used solely as storage for non-fragile/perishable items, not as a livable space. In the attic there was no sign of electrical wiring for a mitigation fan to be installed at a later date.
After learning in this section more about the “Stack Effect” in relation to radon exposure. I reviewed some the pictures in the gallery in respect to Roof Louvers, Gable Louvers and Ridge Venting with Baffles. I guess my short essay here has as much to do with my interest in finding out the effect any of these features associated with a house’s air flow especially in the top level of the house, can have on the Stack Effect. If ridge venting is taking outside warm/cold air and allowing it to move through the attic space and escape at the top of the house, does that help minimize the Stack effect from within the house or increase those affects because of the low pressure created at the baffle opening? I suppose my question that I will look into further would be the same for the different Louvers systems as well.
This active radon mitigation system is correctly installed in the attic. The plugged cord that is used to power the radon vent fan is less than 6 feet. Also, there is no need to install a disconnect switch or circuit breaker for the radon vent fan because the fan is plugged in to an outlet that does not penetrate a wall and the fan is visible in case anyone was wanting to work on the fan.
I read the “Radon Gas (Consumer Targeted)” article and thought that the article made a good point of mentioning the importance of testing for radon before you sell your home. This makes sense because if you test your home and the levels come back low, it will look good for buyers. On the other hand, if you test and the results come back high and you get the radon mitigated that will also be a strong selling point for yourself.
The radon pipe that vents radon gas from a building is a very important component of a radon abatement system. The radon mitigation pipe system must be completely sealed so that this cancer causing gas isn’t forced back into the home. Hence, typical air venting ducts are not used. Passive radon systems are the new Radon resistant construction techniques to control radon gas entry through the installation of a passive radon mitigation system. When installed correctly by a licensed radon contractor, passive radon systems can help to prevent radon gas entry without the use of a radon vent
Outdoor Ceiling Fan Inspection! Indoor fans are not designed for exterior use.Indoor ceiling fans are unsafe to use outdoors in wet and humid(damp)environments on screened in decks or porches. They will fail quickly. Fans that are rated damp/wet and only fans that are rated damp/wet are safe for outside use, but they,too,should never be used where they might come into contact with liquid water(rain/mist).
The submitted photo is of an active depressurization system (outside). while the pump appears to be properly mounted and the shutoff or service switch is properly located I noticed a major defect. The outlet is far too close to a window. This could cause radon to re enter the living space.
This is a sump pump crock with a three inch passive radon vent, the pipe is vented through the interior of the home and through the roof. Upon inspection of the lid it was noted to be unsealed and the penetrations were also not sealed. There is a crack in the slab next to the pit that should be sealed as well.
In buying a new home, finding one with the Radon mitigation system in place is a bonce. Even if it was installed and not fully operated . with little cost to bring down possible radon gas mitigation in the future is cost efficinnt for a buyer.
health problems and radon gas. If every person know the hazards of radon particulate. I believe every one would have there homes tested at lest once a year .realizing that it is # 2 to lung cancer next to Smoking.
I read radon(consumer)guide. It reinforces the fact that Radon is the number 1 cause of lung cancer for non smokers. It states that 1 out of every 15 homes is estimated to be above 4pCi/L or more. This reinforces the need for testing. Offering this ancillary service is not only smart but necessary!
In the attached photo you will see an image of a short term Charcoal Radon Test kit. These tests can be performed by the property owner and mailed to a lab for analysis. The results will be available within 3 weeks in most cases.
Most people simply do not think about Radon Gas intrusion. The EPA has said that every home or building is vulnerable to radon gas and should be tested at regular intervals. Doing this could help prevent lung cancer in you or someone in your family.
This type of fan draws air from inside the house and pumps it out. If effective, a fan fixed at the window will pump out significant levels of radon depending on conditions. Also,it can create a negative pressure inside the house which may create a vacuum that would draw in air from the outside, thereby disturbing indoor radon levels.
My essay is based on the article: Safety Guidelines for Home Pools. I learned that nearly half of the child victims were last seen in the house before the pool accident occurred. And, (this one got my attention since i have a 15 month old) by the time a childs absence is noted, the child may have drowned. Wow! Scary