Radon Gas and Radon Mitigation

Did you know radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer in non smokers. Breathing home indoor radon causes nearly one hundred times more deaths each year than carbon monoxide poisoning. (Source – EPA press release Jan. 10, 2008) The EPA recommends that all homes test for radon gas every two years & during any real estate transactions.

"In our national drive to reduce greenhouse gases by making our homes greener, we shouldn't forget that they can't truly be green without being safe places for people to live," said Marcus Peacock, EPA's deputy administrator. "It's remarkably easy to protect our loved ones by testing for radon and building new homes with radon-resistant features that allow everyone to breathe freely and safely."

The radon threat is preventable with some simple steps. In existing homes, families can begin protecting themselves by having Allied Home Inspections use state of the art, continuous radon monitors for tamper proof accurate testing under EPA guidelines to determine if a high level exists; if so, a high level might be lowered simply with a straight-forward radon venting system. In new homes, builders can easily and economically include radon-resistant features during construction and home buyers should ask for these. EPA also recommends that home buyers ask their builder to test for radon gas before they move in.

Radon preventive actions have saved an estimated 6,000 lives in the last 20 years. EPA has a goal to double that number, to 12,000 lives saved, in the next five years. All Americans can contribute to saving someone's life by testing and reducing high levels in existing homes or testing and building radon-resistant new homes.

Radon gas - even the name sounds ominous, evoking images of radiation and nuclear devastation is created when uranium in the soil decays. The gas then seeps through any access point into a home. Common entry points are cracks in the foundation, poorly sealed pipes, drainage or any other loose point. Once in the home, the gas can collect in certain areas especially basements and other low-lying, closed areas and build up over time to dangerous levels. The Environmental Protection Agency of the US Government has set a threshold of 4 pico curies per liter as the safe level. As humans are exposed to the gas over a period of years, it can have a significant and detrimental effect.

You may also want to check out these EPA publications: A Consumers’ Guide to Radon Reduction http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html and http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/hmbyguid.html A Home Buyers’ and Sellers' Guide to Radon.

How widespread is the problem? Radon has been found in homes in all 50 states. Certain areas are more susceptible than others (http://www.epa.gov/radon/zonemap.html), but no location is immune. Concentrations of radon-causing materials in the soil can be either natural or man-made. Homes built near historic mining operations may be at higher risk. The only way to tell for sure is to have a home tested.

Testing for radon comes in two forms: active and passive. Active devises constantly measure the levels of radon in a portion of the home and display those results. Passive devices collect samples over a period of time and then are taken away and analyzed. Either method can help you determine your level of risk. Do-it-yourself kits are available from a number of outlets, normally with passive devices. Over a period of days, the device is left in the lowest level of the home which is normally occupied. This eliminates crawl spaces under the house, but includes finished or unfinished basements. Then the results are analyzed by a professional.  

Call RADONCLEAR - 603-498-7640 For a custom designed radon mitigation system for your home.

If high concentrations of radon are found in your home, you have several options. Contact RADONCLEAR to ensure that the radon is effectively blocked. Typical radon mitigation systems can cost between $800 and $1200, according to the EPA and do not require major changes to your home. The National Radon Safety Board webs site is (www.nrsb.org) RADONCLEAR is certified by the NRSB as a Radon Mitigation Specialist #NRSB 8G0016.

If you're buying or selling a home, radon can be a significant issue. Buyers should be aware of the radon risk in their area and determine whether a radon test is desirable. When in doubt, the EPA always recommends testing. The cost of the test can be built into the house price. If test results already exist, make sure they are recent or that the home has not been significantly renovated since the test was performed. If in doubt, get a new test done. If you're selling a home, having a recent radon test is a great idea. By being proactive, you can assure potential buyers that there is no risk and avoid the issue from the start.

So whether you have an old home or a new one, radon is a reality. But it is a reality that we can live with. Proper testing and mitigation, can eliminate radon as a health threat. For more information, visit the EPA web site on radon at http://www.epa.gov/radon or NH Department of Environmental services flyer - RADON - What New Hampshire Home Owners Should Know NH_radon_brochure.pdf