I recently completed a certification program in radon measurement. Both my husband and I hold certifications in radon testing and mitigation from the American Radon Measurement Association (ARMA). When it comes to real estate, radon is viewed as a nuisance that most agents and homeowners would prefer not to have to deal with.
In the soil, rocks, or water, radon is a radioactive gas that enters the atmosphere via uranium in the earth. Unfortunately, radon cannot be smelled, tasted, or seen by the human senses. Lung cancer is more likely to occur if we inhale radon-contaminated air. There are actually 21,000 fatalities a year from lung cancer caused by radon in the United States.
There are many ways in which radon can enter our homes, such as through foundation cracks or well water. Once inside, the radon is confined. To put it another way, the United States has a radon problem that affects one in every fifteen households. Irrespective of how well-sealed a property may be—whether it’s new or old, basement or no—if radon is present in the soil beneath it, the house will have it. Radon levels are particularly high in some states, such as Iowa. Radon levels in certain states or neighborhoods cannot be forecast, which is a bummer. Even though the neighbor’s house had high radon levels, that doesn’t indicate the house next door will, too.
A radon testing ottawa is the only method to determine for sure if the house has radon in it. Radon measurement can be performed by a trained radon measurement specialist or by purchasing a do-it-yourself radon kit from a Public Health Agency. An accurate reading can only be obtained if the monitors are put in the lowest livable section of your home, such as in the basement, away from draughts, and in a closed house.
If the radon level in your home exceeds 4 picocuries per liter, the EPA advises that you have the house corrected. Radiant levels below 4 picocuries per liter might still be dangerous and it is recommended to reduce the levels as much as you can.
Recently, a question about radon testing in childcare institutions was posed to me. After some research and a call to the EPA, I’ve learned that, to the best of my knowledge, a daycare facility operating on the ground floor or using basement spaces for classes must test for radon within one year of being licensed or renewed for a license and must test every two years thereafter. To renew or obtain a license, the Department of Public Health requires a strategy to mitigate radon levels in excess of 4.0 pencils to be in place.
Legislators are also seeking to enact legislation requiring radon testing in schools with basement classrooms or that operate from the ground level. Because of their smaller stature and higher breathing rate than most people, children are more vulnerable to the detrimental consequences of radon exposure.
Radon Mitigation Improves Indoor Air Quality and Radiation Protection
Should you have a radon gas test done on your home? It’s a resounding yes! Why? Exposure to radon gas is the most common cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers, but fortunately, it is also the most preventable.
Radon is a radioactive gas that is invisible, tasteless, and odorless. In your house, it’s possible that it’s an issue. A simple radon test is the only method to know for sure if you have a problem in your house. Most radon test kits are completed in 48 hours, and the findings are usually returned to the lab within a week. Using an electronic testing instrument, for example, is a time-saving method of conducting a house inspection. The 48-hour canisters are less expensive, but these approaches are more expensive. Canister test kits are a good option if you have more time. Local hardware stores carry these.
Having radon remediation done in your house is a good idea if you find that your home has radon levels of 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter). Even though it sounds like a lot of work, you can complete this in a single afternoon and get results that are guaranteed to be below 4pCi/L. This will provide you and your loved ones with the radiation protection they need.
There are a variety of methods for removing radon from a home. The layout of your house, the number of rooms, the presence of a sump pit or a crawl space, and other factors all have a role. A qualified radon mitigation technician can tell you exactly what has to be done to your property in order to achieve the lowest possible radon levels.
No radon in my new house because it’s brand new
MYTH #1: It’s a proven fact that this isn’t true. Radon levels in new homes can be as high as in older ones, and in some cases even higher, depending on the tightness with which the house was constructed.
MYTH #2: Because my neighbor doesn’t have high radon levels, I don’t have to worry about it. Neither of these statements is correct. Radon levels in your home may be up to two times higher than those in your neighbors’. If your house has a crawl space, how tight it is, cracks in the floor, open sump lids, etc., all play a role in how likely it is that water may seep into your basement.
MYTH #3: Radon isn’t harmful, because I’ve lived here for 25 years and haven’t had any health issues.
MYTH #4: Radon is the biggest cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, according to the facts. Lung cancer is more likely to occur in smokers than nonsmokers. Reducing radon levels can help lessen your risk of lung cancer, even if you’ve been exposed to high levels for a long period.
MYTH #5: Prior to radon testing, there are a number of things you may take to significantly reduce the levels. Prior to taking a radon test, you may be able to reduce the levels below 4pCi/L. Allows for the possibility of not having an active system installed in the safe zone.
MYTH #6: On the other hand, if you’re handy, you can follow simple instructions to build a radon mitigation system yourself.
MYTH #7: An installation guide for your own home radon mitigation system can be found here if you’re interested.
