Recently I attended a home inspection and had some time to chat with the radon inspector. He told me that even houses without basements can have radon. In fact, he found it quite often, even in crawlspaces. I was surprised. I had no idea and the agent who sold us our house way back when never mentioned getting an inspection since we didn't have a basement. I intend to set one up, they only run about $125. Here is some more information I found online:
You can't see, taste or smell it, but it can pose a serious threat to your family's health. Radon can seep into your home from underground and build up to a dangerous level if trapped indoors.
The winter season is a good time to check for radon because most people are spending more time indoors. Every home should be tested regardless of whether it's a new home, an old home, or if it's been tested before.
Here are some quick facts about radon:
- It's a radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium inside the earth. It enters the home through cracks in floors and walls and becomes trapped inside. Radon levels then build up over time.
- It is present in nearly all air. However, according to the U.S. Surgeon General, people who inhale high levels of radon are at an increased risk for developing lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.
- The presence of radon in the home is preventable.
You can find out if you have radon in your home with a test sold at your local hardware store. The testing is easy and inexpensive, usually less than $25.
- Make sure to check that the test meets EPA requirements and follow the directions carefully. Most tests take two days. After the test, you typically seal the detector back in the package and mail it to a lab.
- Run the test in the lowest level of the home suitable for occupancy.
- Because radon levels fluctuate, the EPA recommends a follow up test before fixing your home.
- If the second test confirms high levels of radon, (4 pCi/L or higher) choose a qualified radon contractor to fix your home. If you decide to do the work yourself, check first with the EPA on training courses and information.
- You should test for radon every couple of years or every time you remodel your home.
It's also recommended that if you are buying or selling a home, that you test it for radon. If you're building a new home, there are features that can be incorporated into your home to reduce radon levels.
If you are interested in finding a qualified radon service professional to test or fix your radon problem, here's what you need to know:
- Choose a contractor to fix a radon problem just as you would choose someone to do other home repairs. Get more than one estimate in person because every house is different.
- Find someone who will stand by the work and service it. Find a contractor who promotes post-mitigation testing.
- Installing a radon control system normally takes one day. The cost vary from $700-$1,500.
- For more information on contractors, check the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's website at http://www.epa.gov/.
- Many states certify or license radon contractors. Call your state health or environmental management agency's radon office for information about qualified service providers in your state.
This information is from Angie's List, a great site online for contractor and other neighborhood referrals. Thanks for the valuable information! If you need any referrals for radon testing in the richmond area, feel free to contact me. Also, feel free to check out my website, http://www.erinbarton.com/ for any of your real estate needs!
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