Demonstrating effectiveness of passive radon-resistant new construction.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Public Health
• Building Science

Background:

• Rock Island County, IL, has 50% of tested homes exceeding the EPA's 4 pCi/L radon action guideline.
• The EPA designates the county as Zone 1, recommending radon-resistant new construction (RRNC).
• East Moline incentivized RRNC, leading to its implementation in 124 new homes.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the effectiveness of passive RRNC in new homes in East Moline.
• Determine the necessity of testing RRNC systems.
• Assess the impact of RRNC on indoor air quality indicators.

Main Methods:

• Tested 46 of 124 new homes built with passive RRNC for radon levels.
• Deactivated RRNC systems in 23 homes to assess performance without mitigation.
• Sampled bioaerosols in 4 homes to explore potential impacts on indoor air quality.

Main Results:

• Only 27 of 46 tested homes (59%) were below the 4 pCi/L action guideline.
• When RRNC systems were deactivated, 73% of homes exceeded the 4 pCi/L action guideline.
• Initial bioaerosol sampling was conducted to assess broader indoor air quality impacts.

Conclusions:

• Passive RRNC alone does not guarantee radon levels below the EPA action guideline.
• Testing of RRNC systems is essential to ensure their effectiveness.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the impact of RRNC on overall indoor air quality.