Radon, invisible and a health risk, is prevalent in some homes in Carroll County. Is radon living in your Carroll County, MD home?
What Is Radon?
Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless and tasteless. It is formed by the breakdown of uranium, a natural radioactive material found in soil, rock and groundwater. Radon has been found in homes throughout the United States. In particular, Carroll County is located in Zone 1, which means Carroll County homes have a high potential for elevated levels of radon.
What Is The Threat of Radon?
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Radon decays into other substances that can get trapped in your lungs when you breathe.In the United States, the EPA estimates that about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year are related to long-term exposure to radon. The amount of time between exposure and the onset of disease may be years.
How Does Radon Get Into The Home?
When radon is released from the ground into the outdoor air, it gets diluted to low concentrations and is not a concern. Within homes, it typically moves up through the flooring system and other openings between the ground and living spaces (for example: cracks, floor-wall joints, sump pump, crawl space, mortar joints, well water, brick). Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. Any Carroll County, Md home may have a radon problem – this means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. Even if you live in an area with fairly low environmental radon, you could still have significant levels in your home. Is radon living in your Carroll County, Md home?
Why Should I Test for Radon?
Radon testing is the only way to know if you are at risk from radon. You and your loved ones are most likely to get your greatest radiation exposure at home because that is where you spend most of your time. The number of radon-problem homes in an area is usually in direct proportion to the amount of uranium in the underlying soils and rocks. Radon levels below 4.0 picocurie are considered acceptable. The national average of radon in a home is 1.3 picocurie. According to the EPA, the average indoor radon level in Carroll County, Md is 11.1 picocurie. Approx. 36% of tested homes in Carroll County, Md are under 2, 15% are between 2 and 3.9, and the remaining 49% tested above 4. These test results emphasize the importance of radon testing.
How is a Home Tested for Radon?
One of two types of tests are typically used when testing a home for radon. One test uses a continuous monitor which measures and records radon in the air of the home. This test, generally considered more reliable, uses internal sensors to detect and report movement and sudden change in the environment. Testing takes approximately 2-3 days and results are available promptly. The second type of test uses charcoal canisters that are exposed to air in the home for 2-3 days, then are sent to a lab for analysis. If you’re buying a home, the EPA recommends you have a radon inspection along with your home inspection. Homeowners who are planning on selling their home can also show potential buyers proof of a radon inspection, which is a good idea as radon gains more awareness.
How are Elevated Radon Levels Corrected?
When elevated levels of radon are detected, mitigation is the next step. The exact type of mitigation will be determined by the remediator, as solutions may vary. However, the most common solution is to install a "sub slab depressurization" system, which uses a fan and PVC pipe to draw air from below the basement or ground floor and vent it away from the home.
Radon poses a serious health risk with long-term exposure. Is radon living in your Carroll County, MD home? The only way to know if your home has elevated radon levels is through testing. There are no physical signs to warn you of the presence of radon, and it cannot be detected with the senses. Since radon levels can vary significantly from home to home, you can't use your neighbor's test results to determine whether or not your home has a problem. Anyone who lives in a single-family home, townhome or ground level apartment or condo is potentially at risk. Many home inspectors perform radon testing. Click here to request the names of some licensed Maryland home inspectors who perform radon testing.
Search Carroll County, Md homes for sale here
Comments(3)