Radon – The Invisible Toxic Gas Found in Homes

Any home has the potential of containing RADON!

Radon is a toxic gas which is radioactive, invisible, tasteless and odorless. It is produced by the naturally occurring breakdown of uranium under the surface of the earth and can be found in soil, rocks and water.

HOW DOES IT GET INTO A HOME?

Radon can enter your home through cracks in the foundation, openings around sump pumps and drains, cracks in walls, and crawl spaces. Radon is typically most concentrated in the lowest level of a home.

WHY SHOULD I WORRY ABOUT IT?

Indoor radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Elevated levels of radon in homes were not recognized as a potential public health threat until the 1980’s. Your chances of getting lung cancer from radon depend on how much radon is in your home, the amount of time you spend in your home, and whether you are a smoker or have ever smoked.

HOW DO I FIND OUT IF I HAVE RADON?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website, recommends that all homes in the United States be tested for Radon because it has been found in high levels in all states.

Professional radon testers and mitigation specialists should be employed to perform the detection tests. Many licensed home inspectors can also provide the testing service for an additional fee in combination with the home inspection that is performed during the sale/purchase of a home. Additionally, Accu-Star certified Do It Yourself (DIY) kits are also available at home stores for a nominal fee. These kits require you to place test containers in the lowest area of your home for a designated period of time. Once the test sample has been obtained, it is then sent by you to a designated company to read/report the test results for your home.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO IF RADON IS DETECTED IN MY HOME?

Lowering high radon levels requires the technical knowledge and special skills of a Radon Mitigation Specialist. These professionals will be able to help you determine which system is right for your home. Mitigation may include sealing cracks in floors and walls and/or installing a “sub-slab depressurization” system, which uses pipes and fans. The cost of making repairs to reduce radon varies depending on where you live and the type of system you choose to install.

Filed under: Blog by Kim Bregman
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