Radon
What is radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas. It is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and chemically inert. It
is undetectable by human senses and will remain hidden unless you test for it. Radon is
formed by the natural radioactive decay of Uranium in rock, soil, and water.
Are there any heath risks associated
with radon?
YES!!! The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung
cancer (behind tobacco smoking) in the United States. Radon Gas decays into radioactive
particles that can get trapped in your lungs when you breathe. As they break down further,
these particles release bursts of energy, which can damage lung tissue and lead to lung
cancer over the course of our lifetime.
How often is indoor radon a problem?
Nearly 1 out of 15 homes has a radon level which the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
considers to be an unacceptable level (4 pCi/L or greater). Because most Americans spend
as much as 90 percent of their time indoors, exposure to Radon Gas is an important
concern.
How does radon gas enter the home?
Most indoor Radon comes into the building from the soil or rock beneath it. Radon and
other gases rise through the soil and get trapped under the foundation or in the
crawlspace. The trapped gases eventually build pressure until forced through the floors
and walls.
How to test for radon gases in a
home?
While representing a potential buyer during a Real Estate transaction, it is always a good
idea to hire an impartial 3rd party to conduct a Radon Test. We use Continuous Read
Monitors ( like Geiger counters plotting over time) so we are not dependant o a lab. We
know the results as soon as we retrieve our monitor
What to do if radon levels are above
EPA requirements?
If your client's home (or your personal home) has tested at 4pCi/Ls or above, Please Do
Not Panic because ALL homes can be mitigated (lowering Radon levels below EPA required
levels), by venting radioactive gasses from underneath the foundation.
Want to learn more about radon?
Call Able Home Inspections and ask for a RADON SEMINAR, we are committed to service and
education.