Metal Organic Frameworks for Low‐Cost Radon Mitigation

Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, resulting in about 21,000 deaths annually. This exposure is due to accumulation of radon in the soils below homes and subsequent diffusion or convection into our living spaces. TDA Research, Inc., (TDA) proposes to develop a novel low‐cost radon mitigation system, using a state‐of‐the‐art metal‐organic framework (MOF) sorbent, in conjunction with a HEPA filter. Recent theoretical studies have suggested that certain MOF sorbents have unique radon adsorption characteristics, with radon to nitrogen selectivities that suggest these materials can concentrate radon by many orders of magnitude. TDA plans to synthesize and characterize a series of MOF sorbents and partner with a nationally accredited radon chamber to experimentally determine the level of radon adsorption from these unique sorbents. In addition, in Phase II we plan to design, build, cost an inexpensive cartridge‐based system, composed of an energy efficient fan, HEPA filter, and proprietary MOF sorbent.