What is Radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas that has been found in homes and buildings
all over America. The EPA believes radon can cause some kinds of
cancer and lung illness. It comes from the natural breakdown of
uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. A
human cannot taste, smell, touch or feel radon. Typically, radon moves
through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks
and other holes in the foundation. In some cases, your home/building
can retain/trap radon. It doesn‘t matter where you live. Any
home/building can have radon in it--whether it is new or old, drafty
or caulked tight as a drum. In fact, you and your family are most
likely to get your greatest radiation exposure at home because this is
where most of your time is spent (sleeping, eating, etc.). Nearly 1
out of every 10 homes in the U.S. is estimated to have elevated radon
levels.
If the home has not yet been tested for radon....
It is probably a good idea to consider a radon test whether you are
buying or selling a home. Chances are if your company relocates you,
they will want a radon test performed on your home. Having a radon
test is an inexpensive price to pay to ensure your home/building is
safe for you and your family.
What should I do if they find elevated radon levels?
The EPA recommends that you take action to reduce your home's indoor levels if your radon test results is 4pCi/L or higher. If you are selling your home, it is suggested that you have these levels reduced prior to listing it. However, if elevated levels are found during the real estate transaction, the buyer and seller should discuss the timing and costs of the radon reduction, as with any aspect discovered during due diligence.
The cost to correct high radon levels depends on how you home was built and other factors. Most homes can be fixed for about the same costs as other common home repairs, like replacing rotten wood or replacing a water heater. The average cost for a Qualified Radon Mitigation Professional to lower radon levels in a home is about $1200, although this can range form $500 to about $2500.
Okay…I want my house or building tested for radon…what happens now?
The first step is to contact All County Inspections. Following EPA
standards, please note that you will be required to keep your windows
and doors closed (except for normal entry and exit) for a time period
of at least 12 hours prior to the placement of the Continuous Radon
Monitor (CRM). A CRM measures the radon levels continuously every hour
on the hour during a test. The EPA suggests that a radon test be
conducted anywhere from 48 hours to 7 days. Typically, All County
Inspections tests radon levels for a period of 48-72 hours. During the
test, all windows and doors must be kept closed except for normal
entry and exit of doors. The CRM is placed approximately 3-4 feet
above the floor near the center of the house. Also, it must be placed
at the lowest living space. Typically in a basement or crawlspace. The
CRM cannot be touched, moved or disturbed in any way or the test is
void. Additional considerations are discussed with the testing
specialist at the time of the CRM placement.