Radon

Radon is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer behind tobacco. In fact, its action on the lung is synergized (e.g. 1+1=3) by cigarette smoke. RADON can be a health risk in just about any home or neighborhood.

There is no way to predict with certainty whether your home is radon free. Fortunately, it is easy to detect and stop. TESTING is essential and very inexpensive.
1) Purchase a radon test kit at a hardware store and follow label directions.
2) Open canniser and leave out in a basement area that has windows closed for several days.
3) Seal back up and ship to the lab address for analysis.
4) When you get the results, here’s how to interpret them.

The safety cutoff for radon is 4 pCi/liter. That means that in one liter of air (think of a balloon that when full reaches the size of a quart) there are 4 units of this radioactive gas. Background level exist even outdoors and are generally below 1.0 pCi/liter. The closer your result is to 1 pCi/liter the better. Only results ove 4 pCi/liter merit fixing.

To SUMMARIZE:

RADON < 1 pCi/L – you are at background so no problem
RADON 1-4 pCi/L – a little elevated but livable
RADON > 4 pCi/L – over the risk baseline – fix immediately

HOW TO FIX and PREVENT RADON from entering your home.
A radon result of 4 pCi/L or more means you are at an elevated risk for lung cancer. Fortunately there is a simple solution. Youcan stop radon entry by installing a sub-slab suction system. This system is relatively simple, composed of pipes and a fan. It pulls radon our of the ground and channels it outdoors. Since it is installed under your foundation, it keeps radon out of your basement. A radon mitigation firm can usually install such a system for under $2,000.

Radon mitigation contractors should be certified to do the work. Manay states keep a listing of certified radion contractors. To find one in your area, go to USEPA’S radon website. Use the following link fo rmore information on selecting a radon contractor.