Hi guys.  I'm new to the forum and to ICFs.

My wife and I will be building in the spring.  We're considering using all ICF construction (foundation to gables).  This is clearly the best way to build that I have found.

I currently live in a house with a moderate radon problem.  Because I have young children, I would like to remedy this problem in the new house.

I do not worry too much about radon that might emanate from the soil. We will be using FAD, as well as pouring our slab over perforated PVC embedded in gravel, actively vented through the roof(per the EPA's instructions).

Rather, my concern is about the radon content that is ifound in the actual concrete itself.  I do not like the idea of wrapping myself in a very tight structure which is built from a material that is itself a source of radon.

Do you guys have any experience/information regarding the radon content of concrete, and its effect on indoor air quality in ICF construction?

Thanks for allowing me to benefit from your experience.

Read this information regarding radon in concrete http://www.wpb-radon.com/radon_in_concrete.html

Very interesting post and was not what I expected.
The source of radon would be from the aggregate, not the cement itself as that is simply made from limestone. Aggregates that contain high amounts of heavy dark minerals tend to have some radioactivity. This would lead me to believe that using limestone as the aggregate instead of granitic type rock, would lead to a very low radon content. May be wise to ask about the aggregate being used.

If your house is real tight you will need to add an ERV or HRV to provide adequate ventilation. In that case you will most likely eliminate one of the primary requisites for a high radon level. From the article above, "Ventilation Rate of the Room the Material Occupies is Low". With what you say you are doing to ventilate the ground below the slab, and with adequate living space ventilation, I really don't think you'll have a problem. You might test for radon just to be sure, but I wouldn't get uptight about it.

As Larry said the radon would be from the decay of uranium in the aggregate. Trace uranium in granite sometimes occurs. I've never heard of it in limestone. So the answer is that it depends on what aggregate your local concrete plants use. If your local plants use granite aggregate then ask them or your county health department if they have any info on the presence of radon/uranium in the aggregate used by local concrete companies.