I don't get very many questions about radon, probably because San Diego County as a whole doesn't have radon problems, which is kind of ironic since we have a lot of granite, quartz, and sand in the county. I have no explanation other than to say that radon research is ongoing.
Whenever I get asked this question, my first reponse has to be, "If you're concerned about it, then get a test done."
Radon is a colorless, tasteless, and odorless radioactive gas that forms from the decay of trace amounts of uranium that occurs naturally in soil. Generally, radon is not a significant problem in San Diego County like it is in other areas of the country. There are, however, some isolated pockets of radon problem areas in the County. If you're concerned about radon levels, check the California web site for your zip code. If you need help in analyzing the data provided by the State of California, please feel free to contact me.
Radon is a fairly new issue, so sometimes there isn't enough data to be statistically significant, yet the data that is available can make it look like there is a significant problem. For example, if your zip code indicates that there is a high level of radon, but only one test was done, the results might be skewed or not even relevant.
There has been a recent scare over radon emanating from granite countertops. Personally, after doing my own research on the issue, I think the radon scare is similar to the mold scare from several years ago. Nonetheless, do your own research and make your own decision.
Following are some helpful websites, of which I think the first one is the most complete. Remember, though, that there are no standardized methods for testing radon although the EPA and the Marble Institute of America are in the process of developing some. So any research needs to be looked at in the context of who paid for the research. If it's someone ranting and raving, sometimes people get an issue on their mind and they just have to vent about it even though they haven't done their own research or don't understand the research that they have read. So this is one of those "caveat emptor" areas.
Russell, We don't have a radon problem in Houston either but we did in Colorado. The last house we sold in Colorado did not pass the basement radon test. It was 15 years ago so I don't remember exactly what we did. I know we split the cost of whatever was done.
Russel, there are a few areas in Florida that have radon issues, but for the most part it's not a problem here. Don't you think it's more of a problem in houses with basements? Very few houses here have basements.
Hi Russel, I'm intrigued by the granite-radon connection. Our Florida contracts contain a radon disclosure to make people aware that radon gas exists as a natural gas. As Sharon already said we don't have basements where it could trap and as long as homes are properly vented there should be sufficient exchange of fresh air to avoid a problem.
Russel:) I agree, if your concerned have a test completed. Several years ago most relocations required a radon test but I don't think I have had a relo company require one for quite some time. I am going to go and check out your helpful links, thank you for posting them.
Good idea to address this, and I like the NON alarmist stance =) I've only had one client ever do a radon test. He was a part-time worker for the EPA ;-) And he just bought a $10 thing that hung on a door-knob for a few days, and monitored the atmosphere. It was clear =)
Russel, we have pocket areas of radon in Akron/Canton, Ohio and buyers regularly ask for radon tests. In all my years in the business I have only had a few homes need mitigation!
Thank you for the info on the connection between radon and granite!
Russel you have the best answer to the question. I was dismayed to read that radon can contribute to lung cancer as much as cigarette smoking. Our region has considerable radon apparently, and in homes that are not ventilated adequately, may get high readings. Now I'm trying to walk that line between alarmist and educator.
Excellent informative post about radon. In Southern Maryland, most buyers will have a radon test if the home has a basement. Great information to pass on! Thank you for sharing.
Great post. Really useful information about radon. I agree with your advice about testing...If you're worried about it, get the test. I'll have to read up on the granite countertop issue. Thanks for the great info.
Hey, John - Thanks for the re-blog. Hope it can help some people in your neck of the woods.
Hey, Marchel - I didn't realize that some areas of the country recognized a radon problem that long ago.
Hey, Susan - Hope the information helps your Clients over there in La Jolla. Let me know if I can do anything to help you and them.
Hey, Sharon - Yes, basements have more problems than other homes.
Hey, Silvia - I'd be willing to bet that some of these radon scare stories involved homes that had multi-pane vinyl windows that were never opened, so the naturally occurring radon gas from any granite in the home just naturally accumulated in the home. An easy solution is simply to open doors and windows once a week and let Mr. Breeze come in.
Hey, Dona - Several years ago is when the radon scare started. Now I think most people have accepted it for what it is. Just another part of living on Earth.
Hey, Lisa - Education is far more effective - and fun! - than being alarmist. However, attorneys love the alarmist way of life. LOL
Hey, Caren - Hope the links and information help.
Hey, Lynn - Just encourage your clients to open their doors and windows on a regular basis and let Mr. Breeze come in. See my DWOC party post.
Hey, Chris - I believe the northeast and Midwest have the most problems with radon.
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I don't get very many questions about radon, probably because San Diego County as a whole doesn't have radon problems, which is kind of ironic since we have a lot of granite, quartz, and sand in the county. I have no explanation other than to say that radon research is ongoing.
There has been a recent scare over radon emanating from granite countertops. Personally, after doing my own research on the issue, I think the radon scare is similar to the mold scare from several years ago. Nonetheless, do your own research and make your own decision.
;)
;)
Russel,
Good advise when you say, "If you're concerned about it, then get a test done."
Looks like some good links to investigate - I'm going to go ahead and re-blog this making it available to my own readers in San Jacinto.
Thanks
John