Building Codes & Standards

Radon resistant new construction (RRNC) is the method of restricting radon entry into new homes, schools, workplaces and other buildings.

Building codes are the key policies that determine how homes and other buildings are designed and constructed. In some states, the state legislature, an executive branch agency, or an appointed board decide what’s in the building code for the entire state. In other states, local entities (counties, cities, towns, etc.) traditionally decide what’s in the building code. Nine states (CT IL MA MD MI MN NJ OR WA) require radon-resistant construction methods. Since homes with high radon have been found in every zone, IL and MN protect homes in all areas; other states only require RRNC in homes in Zone 1 counties. Four states (IL MN NJ WA) cover all types of homes; four states (CT MA MD MI) limit protection to one and two family homes and townhouses; one state (OR) covers the same plus apartments.

The International Code Council (ICC) is the framework for building code policy in the US. Its model new construction codes are widely adopted by states and local jurisdictions. The table below presents the ICC codes and their radon-related code provisions.

International Code Council (ICC) Code Current Radon Provision
International Residential Code (IRC) – applies to one and two-family dwellings and town-homes Appendix F

International Building Code (IBC) – applies to large buildings including multifamily dwellings, schools and workplaces

None
International Mechanical Code (IMC) – specialty code, used selectively Section 512 (scroll down to 512)

International Green Construction Code (IGCC) – – specialty code, applies to large buildings including multifamily dwellings, schools and workplaces

Section 801.3.4

Appendix F of the IRC was the focus of collaborative radon risk reduction advocacy by CRCPD, EPA, and AARST during 2019. At the final action hearing and during online voting, after considering the three organizations’ comments as well as input from others, voting members of the ICC rejected sidewall venting as an option to rooftop venting and agreed to add a testing requirement to Appendix F. Effective in the 2021 codes, radon control installed in new one- and two-family homes in accordance with IRC Appendix F will be considered incomplete unless a radon test reports that the radon level below 4 pCi/L.

The AARST Consortium on National Radon Standards is the source of new and actively maintained consensus radon standards. ANSI-AARST CCAH is the core standard for new construction of one and two-family dwellings and town-homes; ANSI-AARST RRNC is the new construction standard for one and two-family dwellings and town-homes that does not include activation, similar to the IRC Appendix F. CC-1000 is the ANSI-AARST standard for RRNC for large buildings including multifamily dwellings, schools and workplaces.

Continuously maintained building standards that contain RRNC provisions include the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers’ (ASHRAE) Standard 189.1 for the Design of High Performance Green Buildings, the US EPA’s Indoor Air Plus Protocol, the National Association of Home Builders’ Green Building Standard, and the US Green Building Council’s LEED.

Information on earlier RRNC standards is available from EPA.

DO YOU NEED HELP WITH A RADON POLICY QUESTION?
AARST is available to review legislative language and provide technical advice.
Contact  nationalpolicy@aarst.org
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