Policy on Radon

Resolved that the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) support:

1. A response that is narrowly tailored to priority areas designated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that exceed the current indoor action level of 4pCi/l (as measured in living areas) and that passive building techniques be used for new construction in those priority areas; and
2. Radon-resistant construction techniques that are prescriptive in nature, well researched and justified in terms of health risks in the home environment; and are technically and economically feasible and generally affordable; and
3. Flexible EPA mapping guidelines that can be adjusted to reflect local conditions and provide local government entities the opportunity to challenge the EPA’s assessment and designation of a radon priority area; as well as giving the EPA the latitude to modify its designation; and
4. Research efforts to find cost-effective site testing techniques that can be correlated with future indoor radon levels that will aid in predicting when specific construction techniques should be employed; and
5. Educational and training programs for builders on proper radon testing procedures and proper design and installation of radon-resistant construction techniques; and

Further resolved that NAHB support legislative or regulatory initiatives that would:

1. Establish priority radon areas where the predicted average indoor level exceeds 4pCi/l and only in those areas employing rules that require builders to use passive building techniques for new construction for federally insured or guaranteed housing;
2. Exempt builders from all liability regarding radon if the construction complies or complied at the time of construction with federally mandated or state adopted or recognized requirements;
3. Provide funding for local governments to survey homes in the area to allow more precise mapping of sub-county areas, and to provide educational programs for the public informing them of the actual risks of radon exposure and actions they might take to mitigate these risks;
4. Eliminate the statutory directive to achieve radon levels equivalent to ambient air radon levels; and
5. Advise Federal agencies not to propose or implement additional restrictive actions relative to radon testing and mitigation; and

Further resolved that NAHB oppose requirements for the use of privately credentialed radon testing and mitigation professionals to conduct testing and to design and install mitigation systems in one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses, and prohibitions on builders or registered design professionals, such as architects or engineers, from providing such services; and

Further resolved that NAHB oppose excessive radon testing requirements beyond those necessary to reasonably identify or minimize the potential for radon exposure; and,

Further resolved that NAHB maintain a working relationship with the EPA, both on a research and policy level, to assure that any changes in its radon policy and guidance are technically and economically feasible.

Resolution originally adopted: 2023.6 No. 5 Policy on Radon

Committee with primary jurisdiction: Construction, Codes & Standards