Radon reduction systems in the construction of new houses in Gainesville, Florida

High radon level exposures increase human risk of lung cancer. The objective of this paper is to present the results of the effectiveness of applying the Enkavent mat method and the suction pit method; as tested by a University of Florida research team; to reduce radon entry in new houses built in the city of Gainesville and the surrounding Alachua County area in Florida. Both of these passive techniques include placement of a barrier under the concrete floor slab right on top of the soil at the new building sites. Passive and active techniques applied in the construction of new houses reduced radon levels to below the minimum requirements of 148 Bq m(-3) (4 pCi L(-1)). The mitigation systems investigated in this research were adopted by the Florida Legislature to become part of the new building construction code in Florida.