What Is Radon?

Radon is a gaseous radioactive element derived from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon usually travels upward through the ground and air and into cracks and holes in foundations into your home and through well water.

Radon Facts:

It is an extremely toxic You cannot see, smell or taste radon Average indoor radon level is about 1.3 pCi/L (allowed 4.0) Radon is a carcinogen Any home can have radon, new or old, with or without basements 1 of 15 homes is estimated to have a radon level of 4 pCi/L or more

Sources Of Radon:

Earth and rock beneath a home, Well water, Building materials

Health Effects From Radon Exposure:

No immediate symptons
Causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths a year in the US (or 12%)
Smokers are at a higher rate of developing radon-induced lung cancer
Lung cancer usually occurs 5-25 years after exposure
No evidence of any other respiratory disease
No evidence that children at any greater risk than adults
Second leading cause of lung cancer

Why Do I Need To Test For Radon?

Radon is found in homes all over the United States. The EPA and Surgeon General recommend that you test you home. Testing is the only way to find out what your homes radon level is. A test should be conducted in the lowest level of your home.

What Should I Do When Purchasing A New Home?
Discover previous test results, who performed the test, where in the home the test was taken, has any structural changes/alterations been made? This information should be known by the home owner, if not, then a new test needs to be conducted.

Testing Methods:

1. Short Term Ð The quickest method, which remains in the home 2-90 days. Commonly used in real estate transactions.

A.) Passive Ð two short term tests at the same time for a minimum of 48 hours.

B.) Active Ð Take a initial short term test for a minimum of 48 hours. After completion of first test, conduct a second test following exact procedures as the first.

2. Long Term Ð This method requires readings for 90 days or more.

What Should I Do If The Radon Level Is High?

If your test determines a reading of 4pCi/L or higher, it is recommended that action be taken to reduce the level. Cost of reducing radon levels varies depending on many factors. The average cost for mitigation ranges from $800-$2,500. In most cases, a vent pipe and fan system is installed to reduce the radon level.

*TIP: If you are planning future renovations, it is important to test the area for radon before you begin. Especially in transforming an unfinished basement into a living space.

Radon Mitigation:

Be sure to select a qualified contractor. States regulate mitigation systems installed in any home. If not regulated by the state, the system should conform to the EPAÕs standards. It is recommended that the testing be done by an independent tester, and not one of the contractor, as well as obtaining more than one estimate.

Radon in Water:

Although radon entering the home by the ground is a larger risk than the water source, radon in your water poses an inhalation/ingestion risk. Ground water is what usually poses radon in a homes water, ie: private wells, public water that uses ground water. A homes water supply can be treated by a filters or aeration devices from your tap, or "point of entry".

Radon Hotlines:
National Safety Council (NSC) in order with EPA
- to order radon testing kits by phone
1.800.767-7236

National Safety Council (NSC) in order with EPA
- call for live help
1.800.557.2366

Indoor Air Quality
1.800.438.4318

Safe Drinking Water Hotline
1.800. 426.4791