Radon - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring gas which is part of the air that we all breathe every day. It is present in all homes. You cannot see, smell or taste Radon and the only way to determine if unsafe levels of Radon exist in your home is to test it.
Q: How much will it cost to fix my Radon problem?
Cost are dependent on your needs. Generally, mitigation costs approximately $1,300 to $1,700.
Q: Where is Radon Found?
The major source of Radon in high levels is in the soil and bedrock surrounding and under the house. Radon is found all over the United States and around the world in varying concentrations. Problems with Radon have been identified in every state.
Q: What are the health risks?
Almost all scientists agree that Radon is a health hazard to humans and that it causes lung cancer, however the exact risk calculation and the action level usually raise debate. The EPA has declared Radon to be a "Class A Carcinogen," which means that it has been shown to cause cancer in humans.
Q: What levels are too high?
Radon is measured in pico-Curies per liter (pCi/L) of air. A picoCurie is a measure of the amount of radioactivity of a particular substance. The level of Radon in outdoor air is about 0.4 pCi/L. The average indoor Radon level is about 1.3 pCi/L. The EPA has established 4.0 pCi/L as the action level for Radon in homes, schools and workplaces.
Q: How does Radon get into homes?
Radon is a soil gas that typically moves up through the ground to the air above. Air pressure inside a home is usually lower than pressure in the soil around the home's foundation. Homes draw Radon in through dirt floors, hollow-block walls, cracks in the foundation floor and walls, and openings around floor drains, pipes and sump pumps.
Q: Should every home be tested for Radon?
Yes, every home should be tested for Radon, since testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from Radon. Both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes.
Q: I have sandy soil around my house. I don't have Radon gas, right?
You still might! Sandy soils tend to produce a lower percentage of homes that test above the EPA Guideline, however homes with high levels of Radon gas are still found in such soils.
Q: I already have an existing Radon Mitigation system. There is no need to test my home, right?
Actually, yes. The home should be tested to ascertain if the mitigation system is effective and still functioning.
Q: How does it work for radon testing when selling your home?
EPA has developed specific testing protocols for use during real estate transactions. For passive tests the recommendation is: "Take an initial short-term test for at least 48 hours. After the first test has been completed, take a follow-up short-term test for at least 48 hours." or "Take two short-term tests at the same time in the same location for at least 48 hours." For either approach, "Fix the home if the average of two tests is 4 pCi/L or more." For an active test, "Test the home with a continuous monitor for at least 48 hours. Fix the home if the average Radon level is 4 pCi/L or more."
I hope this FAQ helps you in your search or sale process. If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact me at 518-281-3951. Lewis Beynon, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, Prime Property Solutions, LLC. Or, seach the entire Capital District MLS on my Web site at no charge: www.LewisB.com
Serving Clifton Park NY and the entire Albany NY Capital Region
Lewis Beynon, REALTOR
Prime Property Solutions, LLC
(518)281-3951 LewisB@nycap.rr.com
Thanks for posting this Lewis. Most of your questions and answers listed are items that I point out to my clients.
Lewis - Comprehensive and informative summary of the dangers posed by radon gas.
Great post on a topic that not too many people know about. We always suggest a Radon test to our Buyers. Also, have found it and had to do mitigation. Don't know if that would be a good follow-on blog topic for you?