B.5.9 Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless, colorless and tasteless inert radioactive gas that is formed from the radioactive decay of uranium. Elevated radon concentrations have been observed in all parts of the world. Radon surveys have been undertaken in buildings on Fort Carson and Pinion Canyon Maneuver Site (PCMS) to determine the extent of radon exposure of persons working and occupying the buildings located on, or under the jurisdiction of Fort Carson. The purpose of this effort is to reduce health risks from exposure to radon gas. Site-specific information regarding historic radon readings show areas that where generally higher radon levels have been found to exist, and long term priorities and schedules for testing (or retesting) and mitigation are presented in the radon management plan. Time frames for retesting and/or mitigation -Army Regulation 200-1.
Implementing guidance is found in Department of the Army Pamphlet (DA PAM) 200-1.
The EPA’s indoor radon program promotes voluntary public actions to reduce the risks from indoor radon. EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend that people not be exposed to more than the “action level” of 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/l) of radiation from radon on a long-term basis. Mitigation is recommended when radon concentration are above 4 pCi/l. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) recommends testing residential homes for radon and also notes that buildings other than homes can have radon concerns (such as commercial buildings, schools, apartments,
Radon Reduction Requirements For Fort Carson
a. For new facilities constructed with continuous perimeter footings (or grade beams) surrounding an unrestrained slab‑on‑grade floor area, method portions "6(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)" as defined in ETL 1110-3-427 shall be used. This method reads as follows: The foundation slabs shall be placed over a 6‑mil or thicker polyethylene vapor barrier and a 4 to 6 inch aggregate base material. The vapor barrier edges shall be overlapped 4 inches at the sides and 6 inches at the ends and sealed with plastic pressure sensitive tape. This procedure is essentially already standard for this type of construction. Requirements shall be included to protect the integrity of the barrier membrane during all construction activity, and to properly repair any punctures which occur. This method will also include requirements regarding sealing of the slab perimeter and all penetrations through the slab for pipes, cables, etc., the proper selection of aggregate base materials, and the installation of a perforated pipe ventilation system with a capped exteriorly placed vent stack in the aggregate base for use should Radon levels build up within the aggregate volume. Particular product types and standard detailing will be worked out during the design of the projects currently under final design.
b. For new facilities constructed with inhabited, below grade spaces, method portion "6(6)" as defined in ETL 1110-3-427 shall be added to the procedure outlined in Para. "1." These additional procedure portions include the application of sealants, coatings, or barriers to the exterior surface of foundation walls. Particular product types and standard detailing will be worked out during the design of the projects that will be under the soonest final design.
c. For new facilities constructed with uninhabited, below grade spaces, the procedures outlined in paragraph "1. And 2." shall be used.
d. The use of positive ventilation of occupied spaces will only be considered for unusual situations and within the normal ventilation requirements.
e. The Radon POC is Eldon Granger at 526-1687
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