If you are planning on finishing your basement you should be concerned about radon. Radon is an invisible gas that causes 21,000 deaths a year in the United States according to the EPA. Before you finish your basement it is important to install a water, moisture and radon control system. (see http://www.grateproducts.com/)
Some "basement waterproofing contractors" install sub floor drainage systems with an open backed channel that sits against the foundation wall. These systems can increase the radon levels into the basement. Basement drainage systems should be closed systems that don't encourage radon and ground humidity from entering the basement. Grate Products was founded to help contractors in the United States help their customers reduce radon levels while drying the basement with its line of patent pending basement drainage products. (see also my blog on basement drainage systems at http://www.gratedrain.blogspot.com/ )
