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Because the rock formations in some areas are more prone to production of Radon gas which slowly diffuses through the soil. Basements in those areas tend to hav
by xenadu02 3y ago
Because the rock formations in some areas are more prone to production of Radon gas which slowly diffuses through the soil. Basements in those areas tend to have Radon infiltration. It is obviously very slow but the basement is a low point and often not well ventilated which can allow the Radon to accumulate.
Poured slabs are less permeable, not a low point, and tend to have better ventilation either intentionally or unintentionally.
- logdap 3y agoTechnically it's the daughters of radon, the decay products, which accumulate. Radon itself has a half life of less than four days, but it decays into all kinds of nasty stuff like Polonium and ultimately Lead.
- BetterGeiger 3y agoIt is a myth that radon collects in "low points", concentrations are low and it diffuses as the molecules bounce around. However, as you said radon is entering into those areas primarily, which means it will naturally be higher in those areas. Secondly basements often have poor ventilation, which is not to say that the radon cannot otherwise escape, but ventilation can disperse it much more rapidly than diffusion.