What About When Sub-Slab Depressurization Doesn't Work Well

摘要

The paper discusses the mitigation of radon levels in basement houses when sub-slab depressurization (SSD), a widely used mitigation technique, is not a viable option. For example, in some houses the slab is poured directly on the soil, resulting in poor-to-nonexistent communication under the slab. To apply SSD requires elaborate plumbing and multiple suction holes in the slab. To develop viable alternatives, EPA has funded research to explore other radon mitigation options. Case studies include: basement pressurization with and without heat extraction, and filtration using charcoal. In the first, air from the upper portion of the house was forced into the basement, producing a pressure barrier at the slab/soil interface. In one house, heat was extracted from the upstairs using a heat pump to supply hot water for the occupants. In the second, a bed of charcoal was used to remove the radon gas. The charcoal bed was flushed with outdoor air to extract the radon before its complete decay to radon daughters.