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What Is Radon?
Radon is radioactive gas, element number 86 on the periodic chart of elements. You cannot see it, smell it or taste it.
Radon comes from the breakdown, (radioactive decay) of radium, a natural element found in our soil. As radium, (element number 88) decays it produces radon gas which in turn decays into many other radioactive elements. Each time this multi step decay process takes place, radioactive alpha particles are emitted. It is these alpha emitters that are responsible for the damage to our health.
Why Does Radon Enter Our Homes?
When radon is present in the soil that surrounds our homes it can be drawn into the basement by the negative pressure found in the lower levels of all structures. This drawing effect pulls radon into the home and is then generally distributed throughout the house by the heating and cooling system.
How Does Radon Get In?
Radon enters easily because it is so small. As an example, the reason helium balloons get smaller after you buy them is because helium molecules are smaller than the molecules that make up the wall of the balloon. The helium passes right through. Radon is exactly the same size as helium and can easily pass through cracks, openings and most of the porous materials used to construct the foundations and floors of our homes.
What Are The Health Effects Of Radon?
Radon is second only to cigarette smoking as the leading cause of lung cancer death. Both are preventable. Radon kills an estimated 21,000 people every year in the U.S. with the most susceptible being children, (because their lungs are still developing) smokers, (because of the doubling impact) and those that stay inside the most.
How Does Radon Cause Lung Cancer?
As you breathe, radon enters the lungs and continues its decay process. Each time a decay reaction occurs, the lungs' cells receive a small burst of radiation which, can damage the lung tissue or can cause the cells to mutate and develop into lung cancer.
What Levels Are Safe?
No amount of radon is completely safe but the lower your level, the safer you are. Radon is measured in picocurries per liter of air (pCi/L). The USEPA recommends that you should seriously consider fixing your home if test results are between 2 to 4 pCi/L. If your home is above 4 pCi/L, fix it. USEPA recommendations are that we strive for levels more typical of outside air (0.2 to 0.8 pCi/L) and many feel that the action guideline (4 pCi/L), is not low enough since the relative risk at that level is approximately the same as 200 chest x-rays per year.
Do Many Homes Have A Radon Problem?
Yes. According to recent government surveys, some states have as high as a 70% failure rate, while other states are as low as 5%. The problem is that regardless of which state that you live in, you will never know what your radon level is unless you test.
Should I Test My Home For Radon?
Yes. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that every home be tested. Regardless of what your neighbor's results might have been or the type or age of house you live in, the only way to know for sure is to test. When moving, consider a radon test as part of the home inspection process before you buy.
How Do I Test My Home For Radon?
Since radon is invisible, special test kits are needed. Fortunately they are very inexpensive and easy to use. There are a wide selection, accurate and low cost Do-It-Yourself test kits available.
If There Is A Problem, How Do I Fix It?
With guidance from Professional sometimes radon problems can be fixed in only a couple of hours and makes for a great do-it-yourself project. There are several guidelines that should be followed but we will be more than happy to explain how and what to do. Radon reduction is comparable to other home maintenance efforts. If there is a severe radon problem in a particular residence, it is fixable and usually for between $500 and $2,500. For more information, and a free copy of EPA's Consumers Guide to Radon Reduction, contact your State Radon office, the Radon Fix-It Hotline (800) 644-6999,
or the Radon Helpline (800) 557-2366. The brochure can also be viewed at EPA's Radon Publications Web Page
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CRAWFORD HOME INSPECTION INC. 812-347-2044
