Short answer
Mitigation is work done to a building to reduce its indoor radon level, primarily with a vent pipe and fan system.
What mitigation means
EPA says there are several proven methods to reduce radon in a home, but the one primarily used is a vent pipe system and fan, which pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it to the outside.
EPA generally recommends methods that prevent the entry of radon, and says some radon reduction systems can reduce radon levels in a home by up to 99 percent.
What each method takes off a level of 8 pCi/L
EPA gives a typical reduction for each method. Each row applies both ends of that range to a home that tests at 8
| Method | EPA's typical reduction | 8 pCi/L becomes, pCi/L |
|---|---|---|
| Subslab suction | 50 to 99 percent | 4 to 0.08 |
| Passive subslab suction | 30 to 70 percent | 5.6 to 2.4 |
| Drain-tile suction | 50 to 99 percent | 4 to 0.08 |
| Sump-hole suction | 50 to 99 percent | 4 to 0.08 |
| Block-wall suction | 50 to 99 percent | 4 to 0.08 |
| Submembrane suction in a crawlspace | 50 to 99 percent | 4 to 0.08 |
What it means for your home
Which method fits depends on the foundation, which is why EPA recommends that the contractor review the radon measurement results before beginning any radon-reduction work.
The work is not finished until a test says so: EPA calls for a
Where to go next
- Radon mitigation cost estimator. Price a system for your foundation and your state.
- Radon mitigation: how a home is fixed. The whole job, from the high result to the test after the work.