IAQ & Healthy Homes

Weatherization and Radon: Impact of Precautionary Measures in Residential Retrofit

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Location: Music Row 5 (Level 2)

CE: 1

BPI, INTERNACHI, NARI, ASHI, QCI

Stacy Gloss

Manager for Special Research Projects and Programs
University of Illinois
Champaign, Illinois
Jonathan Wilson

Deputy Director
National Center for Healthy Housing
Columbia, Maryland
KC

Ken Cantara

Quality Assurance Technician
Horizon RES NH LLC
Concord, New Hampshire

Radon concentrations naturally fluctuate in the home and long term exposure is of particular concern. Since energy retrofits can reduce air exchange, there is interest in whether indoor pollutant concentrations, such as radon exposures could increase. Researchers tested radon in homes over 5 years through 15 weatherization program partners across 6 states in winter and summer conditions. The BARRIER and BEX research projects studied changes in average radon levels in relation to reduced air infiltration achieved by tightening homes. Partnering weatherization agencies tested radon levels for 2 weeks before and for 2 weeks after weatherization retrofit measures in 300 homes. Home radon risks and considerations for quality installations of precautionary measures will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, attendees will:

Summarize impacts of current weatherization practices on indoor radon levels based on field research
Identify retrofit measures in weatherization that may curb radon increases
Discuss considerations for quality installations of precautionary measures