Mark is a Certified Radon Measurement Specialist with The National Radon Safety Board (NRSB).
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT RADON . . .
(for more detailed information about Radon from the Environmental Protection Agency, The Surgeon General's Office and The National Cancer Institute, go to the bottom of this page).
What is Radon?
Radon is an odorless, tasteless, invisible gas. It occurs due to the natural radioactive breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and then enters the air we breathe.
Where is Radon found?
Radon can be found in all areas of the United States. It can permeate any building, whether it is an office, school or home. In the United States, it is estimated that 1 out of 15 homes has an elevated Radon level.
Radon is an odorless, tasteless, invisible gas. It occurs due to the natural radioactive breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and then enters the air we breathe.
Where is Radon found?
Radon can be found in all areas of the United States. It can permeate any building, whether it is an office, school or home. In the United States, it is estimated that 1 out of 15 homes has an elevated Radon level.
Why is Radon dangerous?
Radon Enters The Body
Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has estimated that Radon causes thousands of deaths each year due to lung cancer.
According to the Surgeon General, "Indoor radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and breathing it over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk to families all over the country".
According to the Surgeon General, "Indoor radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and breathing it over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk to families all over the country".
How does Radon get into my home?
Radon generally moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and holes in the foundation. Some of the areas that radon most typically can enter a home are: cracks in solid floors, construction joints, cracks in walls, gaps in suspended floors, gaps around service pipes, cavities inside walls and water supplies.
Do structural changes or improvements to my home affect the radon level?
These changes may affect the level of radon. When the changes are complete, you may wish to have your home re-tested.
Is Radon a problem in only certain parts of the country?
Radon levels do vary from area to area throughout the country. However, high radon levels have been found in every state.
Is Radon a problem in only certain parts of the country?
Radon levels do vary from area to area throughout the country. However, high radon levels have been found in every state.
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Should I test my home for Radon?
Because radon is odorless, tasteless and invisible, the only way to know for sure if it is present is to have your home tested. The EPA and Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor.
How do I test my home for Radon?
Radon testing can be easily and quickly handled by a qualified radon professional who can decide what type of testing is best for your home. Radon is generally tested by means of a radon monitor placed in the lowest livable level of the house, generally the basement.
What do the test results mean?
Radon is measured in terms of picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). The estimated average radon level for indoor air is 1.3 pCi/L and 0.4 pCi/L for outdoor air.The current EPA guideline is to have the indoor air measure lower than 4 pCi/L.
How do I test my home for Radon?
Radon testing can be easily and quickly handled by a qualified radon professional who can decide what type of testing is best for your home. Radon is generally tested by means of a radon monitor placed in the lowest livable level of the house, generally the basement.
What do the test results mean?
Radon is measured in terms of picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). The estimated average radon level for indoor air is 1.3 pCi/L and 0.4 pCi/L for outdoor air.The current EPA guideline is to have the indoor air measure lower than 4 pCi/L.
Can a Radon level be lowered?Yes, radon levels can be lowered through radon mitigation systems. A Radon professional can evaluate your home and install a radon mitigation system.
Should I have my home re-tested after mitigation is complete? Having your home re-tested after mitigation is a very important step. It is the only way to determine if the mitigation has worked and what the current level of radon is in your home. |
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For more information: Understanding Radon In The Home and for more detailed information, please review the resources below from the Environmental Protection Agency, New York State Department of Health, United States Surgeon General and the National Cancer Institute. |
Where can I learn more about Radon, Radon Testing and Mitigation?The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides more information on Radon, Testing and Mitigation on their website: http://www.epa.gov/radon/index.html
FROM THE EPA:
A Citizens Guide To Radon: The Guide To Protecting Yourself and Your Family From Radon. Manual Informativo Sobre El Radón, La Guía para proteger a su familia y a usted del radón Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide To Radon Health Risks of Radon Guía del Radon para el Comprador y Vendedor de Viviedas Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction: How to Fix Your Home A Radon Guide For Tenants Building A New Home: Have You Considered Radon? Radon in Schools FROM THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: New York State Measured Basement Screening Radon Levels by Town FROM THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE Radon and Cancer Fact Sheet Radon y Cancer (Radon and Cancer) |
