Radon control options for new buildings

Note: The ICS Code, scope and project need for this NOI (originally published on January 11, 2022) was updated by the responsible SDO on March 19, 2024.

Note: The ICS Code for this NOI (originally published on January 11, 2022) was updated by the responsible SDO on January 25, 2022.

Note: The title and scope of this Notice of Intent (originally published on January 11, 2022) was updated by the responsible SDO on April 4, 2023.

1. Scope

This National Standard of Canada provides technical solutions for two levels of radon control options during the construction of a building, including radon gas control techniques, materials, products, and installation. These technical solutions address the following:

a)         Airtightness between the building and the ground.

b)         Passive depressurization of the space between the building and the ground.

The radon gas control options provide guidance for the design of the system, the choice of materials, installation requirements, as well as provide basic construction specifications to minimize radon gas entry into a building and allow for future mitigation options.

This standard specifically addresses techniques for reducing radon gas from infiltrating and diffusing into a building from the ground and facilitating depressurization.

Units of measurement – Quantities and dimensions used in this standard are provided in units from the International System of Units (SI units). Imperial equivalents may be shown in brackets, if applicable. Please refer to the local building code for local tolerances.

1.1       Application to building types

The radon control options in this standard originate from the successful application of the standard to single family dwellings. There exist known instances where the technical principles of this standard have been applied to other National Building Code of Canada (NBC) part 9 building types (e.g., semi-detached homes, townhomes, and other low-rise buildings) and schools. Therefore, under certain conditions, the technical principles in this standard may be applicable to buildings other than single family dwellings. Annex I (informative) provides guidance on some specific applications, including respective design considerations and current best practices that may help users and regulators decide for which building types to apply this standard.

This standard is not intended to provide a technical solution to every type of building; rather the technical principles included in this standard can provide base requirements for designing radon control solutions for non-typical buildings.

1.2       Exclusions

This standard does not address the mitigation techniques for radon from water and construction materials (see Annex D).

The radon gas control options presented in this standard may not be appropriate for the mitigation of radon gas in existing buildings (see CAN/CGSB-149.12 Radon mitigation options for existing buildings).

This standard does not address the control and mitigation of radon gas in all types of buildings. Additional details may be required for the installation in specific building types or building configurations (for example, application of this standard to some large buildings may not be appropriate). Guidance is provided in Annex I for some types of buildings.

Note: Work is typically undertaken, solely or in combination, by registered professionals possessing expertise in reducing radon gas ingress, C-NRPP certified practitioners/specialists or those permitted by the authority having jurisdiction.

The testing and evaluation of a product against this standard may require the use of materials and/or equipment that could be hazardous. This standard does not purport to address all the safety aspects associated with its use. Anyone using this standard has the responsibility to consult the appropriate authorities and to establish appropriate health and safety practices in conjunction with any applicable regulatory requirements prior to its use.