Passive Radon Systems Required in All New Homes – 2013

The Illinois General Assembly passed legislation in 2012 requiring all new residential construction to include “passive radon resistant construction.” Public Act 97-953 took effect on June 1, 2013.

“Passive Radon Ventilation” means an installation of piping extending from the sub-grade granular fill, isolated by a required vapor barrier below the concrete floor to an exit above the roof-line, allowing for passive ventilation of radon.

The installation of radon resistant construction may be performed by a residential building contractor or his or her subcontractors or a radon contractor during new residential construction.

Left out of the legislation at the request of HBAI was the requirement for a fully-operating active mitigation system (a passive system that includes a fan). Passive systems cost about $1200 to install while active systems cost twice as much or more. HBAI also requested that no administrative rules may be written on the installation of a passive system.

There is no penalty or fines for not installing a passive system. However, home buyers can take civil action against the builder should the new home not have a passive system.