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Radon Testing Crucial for Peace of Mind
Updated: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 - 10:20 AM
According to the
Environmental Protection Agency, nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in
the U.S. is estimated to have elevated levels of radon. The
colorless, odorless and tasteless gas is estimated to cause
thousands of deaths each year, making it crucial that you take the
time to get your dream home tested for radon before you sign on the
dotted line.
While you can't see, smell or taste radon, exposure to the gas can
cause lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that
radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United
States today after smoking.
Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in
soil, rock and water and can sneak into the air you breathe by
penetrating the structure through cracks in the foundation. The gas
can be discovered in all parts of the country and can cause a
dangerously high indoor radon level in any home.
While it's not a requirement that you test for radon when you make
an offer to buy a home in many places, it's probably a good idea to
ask for a Radon Inspection Contingency.
A Radon Inspection Contingency can put some structure into getting
a "short-term" radon test done on any home to make sure the levels
of radon on the lowest level of the home are below the 4.0 pCi/L
level.
This target level was set by the U.S. Congress for indoor air
quality, and the U.S. EPA enforces that mandate.
Buyers interested in purchasing a home shouldn't be the only ones
concerned with radon testing. In fact, if you're getting ready to
sell your home, you should test for radon before you put the home
on the market. This can save valuable time during a real estate
transaction, as long as you have all the paperwork and testing data
to show the prospective buyer.
The quickest way to test for radon is with short-term tests, which
remain in your home for two to 90 days, depending on the device.
The most common detectors are charcoal canisters, alpha track,
electret ion chamber, continuous monitors and charcoal liquid
scintillation.
When performing a radon test, be sure to test the lowest level of
the home that you currently live in, or a lower level not currently
used, but which a buyer could use for living space without making
renovations. The result of the radon test will provide important
information about your home's radon level that potential buyers may
want to know.
If you find that your home has high levels of radon, reducing the
radon level is an easy process. Adding a radon reduction system can
reduce radon levels in your home by up to 99 percent, and the
system costs less than $1,000 to buy and install.
Another option is to install a Soil Suction Radon Reduction System
in the basement near a sump pump system so that it can be vented
outside where a pressure fan is installed.
New homes can be built with radon resistant features that minimize
radon entry and allow for easier radon reduction if high levels
should be determined to exist. These features cost much less to
install during the construction process rather than waiting to add
to an existing home later. Some municipalities and states are even
considering adopting radon resistant construction features as a
part of their building codes.
Buyers and sellers should both be smart about radon. Every new home
should be tested after occupancy, even if it was built with
radon-resistant features or has a radon reducing system
installed.
by Keith Loria
