Re - radon gas mitigation

Sep 12, 2019

I recall from my study of Physics; “hydrostatic pressure" is force applied to a surface area by a fluid (any liquid, any gas). And from our Ontario Building code Act (reaching back to 1975): “Where hydrostatic pressure occurs, floors-on-ground and exterior surfaces of walls below ground level shall be waterproofed." From our National Code: “Waterproofing provides a continuous protection against water ingress and is intended to resist hydrostatic load".

lt appears that radon gas is pressing up against every foundation in South Frontenac, and where that “occurs, floors-on-ground and the exterior of walls below ground level shall be waterproofed" in order to stop the gas from entering the home. Further: “The Council of each municipality is responsible for the enforcement of the Act“.

Given the deadly naturelof radon I assume that Council is immediately going to direct our Chief Building Ofiicial to enforce this Requirement; anything less (such as dampproofing the floor slab with a plastic sheet) would be the equivalent of knowingly subjecting citizens (our children) to a radio-active gas that causes lung cancer.

by John McEwen