Description

• Radon is a colorless, odorless, and inert radioactive substance found in soil, rocks, and groundwater. Radon becomes part of the air and can accumulate in buildings. There is no known safe level of radon. The EPA established 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L) as the “action level” for radon, although radon levels below 4 pCi/L can still pose health risks. According to EPA, New York City is located in Zone 3, a low-radon potential zone, however EPA acknowledges that testing is the only way to determine indoor radon levels at individual properties. The potential health risks posed to residents of HUD-assisted housing have drawn congressional interest. 24 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) Parts 50 and 58 state that “it is HUD policy that all properties proposed for use in HUD programs be free of hazardous materials, contamination, toxic chemicals and gasses, and radioactive substances where a hazard could affect the health and safety of occupants or conflict with HUD’s intended use of the property. NYCHA, in collaboration with the PACT Partners, is committed to addressing any known radon risks, through the incorporation of radon-resistant features into building rehabilitation scopes when needed.

Baseline

• Projects must conduct radon testing as required in HUD’s Multifamily Application Processing Guide, dated 03/24/2021, (“MAP Guide”). This includes testing of 100% of ground floor units and 10% of upper floor units in all buildings included in the PACT Project. [PACT]
• PACT Partners are required to comply with NYCHA’s policies for radon assessment and mitigation. If applicable as described in the PACT Radon Procedure Memo, PACT Partners must draft a Radon Operations and Maintenance Plan for NYCHA’s approval.  [PACT]

Strategies

Optimize Performance, Operation & Maintenance of Buildings, Systems & Assets

Utilize Healthy Materials & Health-Promoting Building Systems

PACT

Last Updated on May 28, 2024 at 1:26 pm

Downloads and Data

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Specifications

PACT Radon Procedure Memo