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Radon Guide

1 What is it?

Radon. At first thought, one might imagine an evil villain from an after school special. This name however bears no such identity, though it can be considered the secret villain hiding in an unsuspecting homeowner’s abode. Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and chemically inert radioactive gas. Unless tested for, its presence will remain unknown. While radon might sound like an abstract concept, high concentrations have been found in each and every state in the U.S., so being aware of what it is and its dangers are vitally important. Occurring naturally, chemical processes in the decay of radioactive materials allows radon to be present in soil or rock. Both of these can leak into water and air, becoming concentrated in enclosed spaces in buildings or entering the immediate environment through a water source. Despite this, there is no way to know if radon is present without testing for it directly. According to a warning from the Surgeon General, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. As such, smoking and exposing one’s self to radon leads to a significantly increased risk of developing lung cancer.

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Radon Guide

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Radon is extremely damaging to the body, more so when inhaled than in any other absorption method. The gas decays into radioactive particles that get trapped in the lungs when inhaled. They go on the break down further, and these particles release small bursts of energy. This can damage the lung tissue, which is what puts the body at risk for lung cancer. This is not to say oral consumption is harm-free. Research has suggested that consuming water with high levels of radon may pose risks, although much lower than inhalation risks. Consuming radon-tainted water can be credited for an average of 19 fatal cases of stomach cancer per year. Though not everyone exposed to radon will develop cancer, radon is not a concern to be taken lightly. Any home could be a culprit of harboring this fugitive, so testing for and remedying any issues are crucial!

testing for raDon

One out of every fifteen homes in the U.S. has a problem with excessive radon exposure. So catching the problem and remedying the issue can make a big difference in your future health. Do-it-yourself radon detection kits can be purchased online or in home supply stores. The kits are left in the home for a certain period of time and then sent for analysis at a specified lab. Short term kits are usually left in place for several days, while long term kits, which usually give a more accurate reading, are left in place typically for about three months. Since radon comes in mostly through the ground, the EPA recommends testing all homes below the 3rd floor.

We recommend that homeowners turn to professionals to test the home for radon.

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Sources: Air Chek, Inc. (2006). Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Radon Gas. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/ibNSq2 RadonResources.com. Radon Levels. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/OyvtRC. Kansas State University. Frequently Asked Questions About Radon. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/Lp0Ljo. American Cancer Society. (7/31/2013). Radon. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/8bcCXO. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Consumer’s Guide to Radon Reduction. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/sc5AXn. United States Environmental Protection Agency. A Citizen’s Guide to Radon. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html

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Radon Guide

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removing raDon

According to the EPA, homeowners should take steps to lower radon when levels reach 4 pCi/L or more when referring to the annual average. A professional should be contacted to make these changes as specific technical knowledge and skills are required. Without proper equipment and knowledge, there is potential for a homeowner to increase their radon levels or create other costly and potentially hazardous situations. Professional radon remediation might include:

• Soil suction prevents radon from entering by drawing the radon from below the home and venting it through pipes to the air above the home where it is quickly diluted.

• Subslab suction is the most common and typically most reliable method of radon reduction. One or more suction pipes are inserted through the floor within or outside the home. A vent connected to the pipe draws radon gas from below the home and releases it into the outdoor air while simultaneously creating vacuum underneath.

• Sealing cracks and other openings in the foundation, floors, or walls limits the flow of radon into the home. This method alone does not effectively reduce radon by itself, but in conjunction with other methods can help lower radon levels.

• Home or room pressurization uses a fan to blow air into the room in question from upstairs or outdoors. This creates enough pressure at the lowest level indoors, in a basement for example, to prevent radon from entering the home.

• A heat recovery ventilator, or HRV (also called an air-to-air heat exchanger), can be installed to increase ventilation by introducing outdoor air while using the heated or cooled air being exhausted to warm or cool the incoming air. HRVs can raise heating and cooling costs, but if properly balanced, can maintain a constant degree of ventilation throughout the year.

Homeowners with high radon levels should contact a professional contractor who specializes in or is certified for mitigating radon problems to offer more specific options for your home.

Radon can be a serious issue if left untreated, but with proper attention paid to mitigating the problem,

homeowners can rest easy knowing they are safe in their home and will be for many years to come!

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Photo courtesy of Birdies100. (July 2010). Radon Test in Progress [image]. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/byPa8C.

What if the inspector finDs eviDence of termites? If your inspector sees signs of termite activity (or other household pests), he will recommend a complete pest inspection or treatment if it is deemed necessary. The mere mention of termites can strike fear into the hearts of homeowners. Most people know that termite infestation can cause severe damage to a home's structure. It can also cost thousands of dollars to eliminate the pests and repair any damage.

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