Radon Gas is found in every day life, but What's Okay?
One of my buyers had a recent Radon Test done on a home they are purchasing, which I always recommend to do.
Typically I do not use a Radon tester who also sells the systems - Bad vibes for me! In this case, the general home inspector recommended a tester to my client whom I have never met before and my clients hired the tester based on the general inspectors recommendation.
While we were at the house I quickly realized this tester also sells the systems, while warning bells are blaring in my head, I did not want to delay the inspection process for my clients, so I took a wait and see approach.
Actually the levels came back in the acceptable range and the reading clearly states "PASS" (the results are on the low end of the scale) When my client asked this tester if this was okay he answered them with an 'it's decent' which now has them worried as can be.
Now I have to ask, what is his intent? To sell one of the systems?
I have spent some time educating them on Radon Gas and have referred them to the EPA sites for further clarification and comfort.
What's The Concern about Radon Gas?
As noted on the EPA site:
EPA estimates that about 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. are radon-related. Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Radon is an odorless, tasteless and invisible gas produced by the decay of naturally occurring uranium in soil and water. Radon is a form of ionizing radiation and a proven carcinogen. Lung cancer is the only known effect on human health from exposure to radon in air.
No doubt this is very serious and should be treated as such, which is why I always recommend that people have a Radon Test completed.
With that being said, I don't believe that people should be made to worry and fret needlessly!
Because of the serious health threat, I have had many clients who have had the Radon Test done and it has come back on the high end (close to 4.0 pCi/L) and I send them right away for a second opinion by an approved mitigator for our state, Ohio. I've used the same mitigator for years as I've found him to be honest, trustworthy, dependable and reasonable.
In this case, I feel the tester hired for this inspection is creating unwarranted worry and stress. I want my clients to feel good about their decision so I recommended that they get further information on the government sites and I gave them the number to a few approved mitigators.
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Already a homeowner and wondering if your at risk? You can hire an inspector to run a Radon Test or you can get your own Radon Test Kit
Radon Gas is found naturally outside and can seep into your house through various ways. The key is to make sure the Radon Levels in your house are at acceptable recommended levels to help keep you safe.
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