Positive Pressure Fan Radon

I was wondering if one could create positive air pressure in the crawl with a blower or fan would it make much difference in radon levels.

Positive pressure fan radon.

A positive pressure system is used to reduce radon levels in buildings. The radon gas concentration in any building is determined by the radon concentration in the soil soil permeability and the pressure differential between the soil and the building. Radon comes into your home or office because the air pressure is lower than it is outside drawing radon in like a vacuum. That is to say the exhaust is under positive pressure with regard to the ambient pressure of the structure if the pipe has a leak the radon will enter the building.

Has positive air pressure been used for radon mitigation. Macneish september 9 2007 9 58am 2. What s the proper term for the pressure of soil source gas and what. Radon gas can damage cells in your lungs which can lead to cancer radon is responsible for about 21 000 lung cancer deaths each year in the united states though it usually takes 5 to 25 years to.

This method is called positive pressurisation or positive input ventilation. Positive ventilation brings fresh air into a home and dilutes the radon. 2 placing the fan in such a position that the radon is pushed along the exhaust pipe rather than pulled through the exhaust pipe. The fan draws clean air into the property and disperses it around the property to very gently pressurise the building.

Almost all buildings exert a negative pressure suction on the soil because of the natural stack effect and exhaust devices that exist in all buildings. Exhaust fans further decrease the air pressure so using them actually increases the concentration of radon in the air. Positive pressure fans are more effective where radon levels are below 500bq. Over 500bq a sump system or under floor ventilation system should also be considered as these are likely to be more effective at higher radon levels.

A positive ventilation system can be effective in homes with radon levels up to and around 500 bq m 3. The flow of air and radon from the ground may also be reduced. The introduction of this extra air raises the internal air pressure slightly thus inhibiting the draw of gas from the soil which normally occurs.