RADON

WHAT IS RADON?
Radon is a radioactive gas. It is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and chemically inert, unless you test for it. Radon is formed by the natural radioactive decay of Uranium in rock, soil, and water.

ARE THERE ANY HEATH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH RADON? YES!!!
The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer (behind tobacco smoking) in the United States. Radon Gas decays into radioactive particles that can get trapped in your lungs when you breathe. As they break down further, these particles release bursts of energy, which can damage lung tissue and lead to lung cancer over the course of our lifetime.

HOW OFTEN IS INDOOR RADON A PROBLEM?
Nearly 1 out of 15 homes has a radon level which the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) considers to be an unacceptable level (4 pCi/L or greater). Because most Americans spend as much as 90 percent of their time indoors, exposure to Radon Gas is an important concern.

HOW DOES RADON GAS ENTER THE HOME?
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 foundation or in the crawlspace. The trapped gases eventually build pressure until forced through the floors and walls.

HOW TO TEST FOR RADON GASES IN A HOME?
While representing a potential buyer during a Real Estate transaction, it is always a good idea to hire an impartial 3rd party to conduct a Radon Test. Most tests are done by placing charcoal canisters at the center of the Home's lowest living area, for 48 hours, which are then sent to a National Certified Radon Lab which tests the canister for an accurate Radon measurement (+/- .03pCi/L). Some Home Inspectors prefer a Radon Evaluation Machine which gives them the results much quicker, but requires annual calibrations and has a higher margin of error.

WHAT TO DO IF RADON LEVELS ARE ABOVE EPA REQUIREMENTS?
If your client's home (or your personal home) has tested at 4pCi/Ls or above, Please Do Not Panic because ALL homes can be mitigated (lowering Radon levels below EPA required levels), by venting gasses from underneath the foundation. If your home or client's home requires Radon Mitigation, please contact Leading Edge Technologies (970) 418-8888, online at radon-mitigations.com or Ace Radon, (970) 453-2435, online at aceradon.com.

For more information on Radon click on Radongas.org