Radon
What is radon?
Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that’s produced by decaying uranium. It is present in soils and very low levels are found in the air we breathe every day. It has been proven to cause lung cancer when exposure happens over an extended period of time.
Radon gas moves from the soil into a home by seeping directly through pores in concrete. The most common entry points include gaps in walls and floors. Any house, of any age, in any state can have elevated radon levels. It really depends on the way your specific house interacts with the surrounding soil, so your neighbor’s radon level may differ significantly from yours.
Radon gas becomes a problem when it gets trapped in your home. If your house has high radon levels, it’s important to act, but don’t overreact. Serious risks only occur from exposure to high levels over a long period of time (not overnight).
Why & how should I test for radon?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Surgeon General, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommend that ALL homebuyers have an indoor radon test performed prior to purchase or taking occupancy, and recommend having the radon levels mitigated if elevated radon concentrations are found.
Testing your home for radon is the only way to know whether or not your house has unsafe radon levels. The good news is Total Home Inspection has ample experience in radon testing. Steve will conduct a test in the lowest livable area of your house. It will be one that is used regularly, around 8-10 hours/week.
I have high levels of radon.
Now what?
If a short-term test registers 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher, the EPA recommends doing a second radon test. A long-term test will give the most accurate information, but a short-term test is acceptable if results are needed quickly (common in real estate transactions). If your first levels registered 8 pCi/L or higher, we’ll offer a range of steps to reduce radon levels in your home depending upon your budget.
If radon test results show high levels of radon, the next step is radon mitigation, which should only be done safely and properly with the help of a certified professional. Steve Green is the only agent in the area who is licensed and certified through the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP).
What is a radon mitigation system?
Mitigating radon basically involves ventilating your home by using PVC piping to draw radon gas up from the soil and out of your house. Installation rates from professionals for these systems vary.
Setting up an appointment is the best way to determine how much you actually need to spend, or if you even need a mitigation system to begin with. If you do need a system, Steve is a certified radon mitigation technician. Contact Steve today to take the next steps in getting radon out of your home.
Key points about our radon mitigation system installations:
Five year guarantee on the fan
Licensed & certified through NRPP (National Radon Proficiency Program)
Insured appropriately for radon installations
Information on this page has been amended from rd.com/home/improvement/radon-testing
