Have you ever wondered what the heck radon actually is? If so, then you aren't alone.
Basically, radon is a tasteless, odorless, invisible gas which is radioactive and occurs naturally. It is formed by the decomposition of trace amounts of uranium found in our soil and only becomes harmful when trapped in our homes. Almost all homes have radon to some degree, but an estimated 40% of homes in our area (KC metro is one of the highest radon areas in the country!) is likely have radon above a measurement of 4.0 pCi/l which the EPA considers to be at a hazardous level.
So what's the big deal? Well, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking and it is estimated to cause over 20,000 deaths per year! All homes are susceptible to radon, but the good news is a simple and inexpensive test (around $100) can detect if you have radon and at what level.
If tests do reveal you have radon at a level above the recommended amount, don't panic! Remediation units are becoming more common place and can cost from $700 to $1,200 on average. That may sound like a lot of dough, but it really isn't too much to pay to protect your family's health.
The remediation unit is a simple fan and pipe system which vents the radon from under your home out into the open air where it becomes diluted and harmless. It is installed in such a way as to not detract from the appearance of your home and the fan is basically silent. If you would like more information on how to have your home tested for radon or a referral for a good inspector, please don't hesitate to contact me!
Lisa Gaiche - RE/MAX Real Estate Group - Olathe, KS - 913-486-3764
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