Abstract: Vegetables are grown by (a) applying an effective amount of a fumigant to the soil where the vegetables will be grown; (b) placing a barrier mulch film over the fumigated soil; (c) planting vegetables in the soil under the barrier mulch film; (d) maintaining the barrier mulch film in place over the soil for substantially the entire growing season to reduce weeds and to control temperature; and (e) harvesting the vegetables. The barrier mulch film contains: (i) an upper layer comprising a polyolefin and a sunlight reflecting/absorbing agent; (ii) a second layer comprising an adhesive; (iii) a third layer comprising a barrier plastic; (iv) a fourth layer comprising an adhesive; and (v) a lower layer comprising a polyolefin and a sunlight absorbing agent.

Abstract: The flow of radon from the ground into a building is suppressed by placing a plastic film on or under the lowest floor of the building. The plastic film is made of a material having an oxygen diffusivity of less than about 10 cubic centimeters per day.