Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas that comes from the ground into your home. You cannot see, smell or taste it, but may still be there. And the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths.
Radon can be found anywhere and comes from the radioactive breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can be detected in any type of building - homes, offices, and schools.
To be sure you do not have radon in your home, testing is the only way to know you are/or not at risk. Testing can be done two ways - short-term testing - with a charcoal canister in your basement for 2 days, and then sent away to the lab for your results. There are many inspectors that have EPA-approved radon testing equipment which remains in the home for 2 days and you will get reading by the hour for the days set up.
If you find radon in a community in which you need HOA approval (attached properties), you may want to get information prior to inspection as to the process. Many HOA boards say they need 30 days to review the plans, which delays closings.
Radon is found in nearly one out of every 15 homes in the U.S. is estimated to have elevated radon levels. Acceptable levels in the United States must register below 4 pCi/L which is 4 picocuries per liter.
Radon can be mitigated and guaranteed you will not have radon in your home. There are many companies EPA approved that will put the system in property and offer a 10-25 year guarantee.
It is Radon Safety Month, and time to share this information again!
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