I think that the discussion on the discharge line is a very important one. I also believe that an adoption of the Canadian design of the fan being on the interior of the home, not limited to un-occupiable areas, with a sidewall discharge could have a profoundly positive impact on the U.S. Radon market. Canada has demonstrated, through research and in practice, that Radon re-entrainment is not a danger with their design. There has been additional research in the U.S. to support and confirm this. It is my opinion, even absent this research, that a simple risk to benefit assessment would make adoption of this design a quite clear decision. Let’s look at the benefits:
Aesthetics-There are many homeowners that elect not to have a radon system installed because it detracts from the appearance of their home.
Sound-Neighbors complaining about noise from fans located on their side of the home would be greatly diminished.
Effectiveness-The most effective radon systems have the fan as close to the slab penetration(s) as possible. If our goal is to create the lowest levels achievable, this would solve the problem.
Electrical-Cost/Convenience-With the fan located inside, the issue of electricians and permits would be eliminated. The fan located indoors could simply be plugged in. It there is the concern of the fan being unplugged, this could be solved by putting a simple label stating “this plug operates a radon reduction system. Do not unplug!” and using a receptacle cover. This would save cost on most systems.
Discharge ice-ups. With the elimination of discharge lines, most concerns with ice-ups, condensation, and ice related fan damage would be eliminated.
Longevity of fans-Fan located indoors would be both protected from temperature extremes and large amounts of condensation. Both of these factors would lend to the fans lasting significantly longer.
Air leakage from radon fans is governing the U.S. radon industry, prompting the current rules to prohibit fan installation inside habitable areas of homes. This is not and has never been an issue for high quality products assembled properly. Canada has implemented a simple soap test on the fan and connections to ensure no leakage from, and around the fan.
Poor Installs/Violations-By simplifying radon system installs, many of the areas of cheating and violations would be eliminated, greatly evening the playing field.
Worker Safety-In my 25 plus years of working with radon professionals I have seen and heard of many work-related injuries related to ladder falls. There have been broken backs, arms, legs, ribs, and concussions. Many systems are installed by one-man crews and involve propping a ladder on uneven ground with bricks etc. and no one to spot the worker. The CDC states that there are about 500,000 people treated and about 300 people die each year from ladder-related injuries. This danger would obviously be eliminated by eliminating the discharge line.
When we have the opportunity to improve our industry with a simple and logical change, we have a responsibility to strongly consider it. The is magnified by the fact that our Canadian partners have undertaken the research and have over a decade of proven field experience to provide confidence in the proposed change for RADON MITIGATION SYSTEMS (not Vapor Intrusion VI which should not be our new industry focus governing all radon work). As a radon fan manufacturer and someone who has dedicated over 26 years of my life to the radon industry, I could not feel more strongly about the necessity for this change.