Glossary and definition of terms and acronyms relating to environmental services provided by Protech Environmental, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Environmental definition glossary for radon and vapor

This page provides definitions and discussion of unfamiliar terms and acronyms relating to environmental and in-vironmental issues.

picoCurie (pCi)

A measure of radioactive energy equivalent to that released by one-trillionth of a gram of radium. One pCi represents 2.2 radioactive disintegrations per minute.

Action Level

Concentration at which an agency requires or recommends that some action be taken to reduce a risk. The US EPA Action Level for radon is 4 pCi/l.

ALARA

Acronym for “As Low As Reasonably Achievable,” which is the golden rule of radiation safety.

EPA

Environmental Protection Agency, a federal agency originally chartered to protect the physical environment. Now heavily involved with in-vironmental issues as well.

OSHA

Occupational Safety & Health Administration, a federal agency concerned only with issues affecting workers. In Michigan, the equivalent state agency (MIOSHA) is responsible for enforcement.

Have A Question About Radon Treatment?

Sarah Worsham a year ago

Super quick and efficient service of installing a radon mitigation system in the house we were selling. The installers were very knowledgeable and explained the system and the information to pass on to the buyer's. Definitely would recommend.

By regulation, radon fans must be located outside of the conditioned space of the home.

The regulation stipulates that the exhaust must extend above the roofline. The idea is to keep the exhaust gas from coming back into the house or impinging on patios, walkways, play areas, etc. There are three basic requirements: The exhaust must be

(a) at least ten feet off the ground,
(b) above the eave (not necessarily the edge) of the roof, and
(c) either ten feet away from, or two feet above, windows.

As long as the system is running, the air exiting the pipe keeps rain and bugs out. The system exhaust must be vertical, and upward. The rest of the system is designed so that it pitches back down toward the suction point, so that any water in the system drains back into the soil. Caps and other diverters can cause freeze-up problems from condensation when it’s cold out. Did you know: radon systems can expel hundreds of gallons of water vapor each year?

PVC piping is the most suitable material for the job. Metal downspouts are not intended to be used for gas exhaust applications, and the joints cannot be permanently sealed (they require frequent re-sealing). Downspouts also tend to ice up in the winter, disabling the system just when you need it the most.

Our standard sump covers are transparent, so you can shine a flash light into the sump pit to verify that the sump is working.

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