RADON AND REAL ESTATE
What is radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Unless you test for it, there is no way of telling how much is present.
What health effects are associated with radon exposure?
The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. There are currently no conclusive data on whether children are at greater risk than adults from radon.
What is the "acceptable" level of radon in air?
EPA states that any radon exposure carries some risk; no level of radon exposure is always safe. However, the EPA recommends homes be fixed if an occupant's long-term exposure will average 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher.
How does radon get into a building?
Most indoor radon comes into the building from the soil or rock beneath it. Radon and other gases rise through the soil and get trapped under the building. The trapped gases build up pressure. Air pressure inside homes is usually lower than the pressure in the soil. Therefore, the higher pressure under the building forces gases though floors and walls and into the building. Most of the gas moves through cracks and other openings. Once inside, the radon can become trapped and concentrated. Openings, which commonly allow easy flow of the gases in, include the following:
- Cracks in floors and walls or slabs
- Openings around sump pumps and drains
- Cavities in walls
- Gaps around utility penetrations (pipes and wires)
- Crawl Spaces and Basements
Testing Air for Radon
Why should I test my home for radon?
Radon is widely believed to be the second leading cause of lung cancer. It is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smoking Americans. Therefore, EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing for radon in all homes below the third floor. Radon has been found in homes all over the United States. Any home can have a radon problem. On average, one out of every fifteen U.S. homes has a problem. The only way to know whether or not your home has a radon problem is to test for it.
What should I do if the Radon levels in my home are too high?
You should contact a company that specializes in Radon Remediation and have them come out and evaluate your home. These professionals can tell you what would be the best method of remediation for your home.
Our Part as Professionals
As real estate professionals, we should encourage people to get their homes tested for radon. It is always good to know where your home stands and then take any action that is required to ensure your safety.
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