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Radon is a cancer causing, radioactive, naturally occuring gas that is produced from the natural breakdown of uranium in the soil. It becomes a hazard when it enters into a home and gets trapped inside. This is especially true in homes with basements. However, elevated levels of radon have also been found on ground level floors.
According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) an elevated radon level is any level of radon above a 4.0 pCi/L. pCi/L = picocuries per liter of air. A picocurie is a unit often used to measure radioactivity. The average indoor radon level is 1.3 pCi/L, while the outdoor average radon level is 0.4 pCi/L. Radon levels as high as 2,000 pCi/L have been found in homes.
To view the EPA map of radon zones in the Unites States click here. | |
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There are varying methods available to test for radon. At Martin Home Inspections we use continous radon monitors. Our radon monitors are some of the most reliable and accurate in the business. Our monitors take hourly samples of the air and measures the level of radon in each sample, then averages them together to determine the average radon level in the home. The typical radon test performed for a real estate transaction is a short term radon test, which lasts a minimum of 48 hours.
At Martin Home Inspections we follow all EPA guidelines in radon testing and reporting. When hiring someone to test your home for radon ask if they follow EPA guidelines. If they don't, your test results may not be accurate.
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The EPA recommends testing all homes for radon levels and that any home with a 4.0 pCi/L or higher have a radon mitigation system installed to reduce the levels of radon in the home. To the left are photos of typical active radon mitigation systems. This type of mitigation system uses a fan to draw air out from beneath the home and direct it to the exterior of the home.
Martin Home Inspections encourages you to learn as much as you can about radon. You can use the information on this page to help. To learn more information on radon click the links below.
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Radon Facts
• Radon is a radioactive gas. It is naturally occuring. It has no smell, or taste, and cannot be seen. It is produced by the natural breakdown of uranium, which is typically found in igneous rock. However, most soils contain varying amounts of uranium.
• Radon was first discovered to be inside homes in 1984 when a nuclear power plant worker in Pennsylvania discovered radioactivity on his clothing while entering his place of work through the radiation detectors.
The source of the radiation was traced back to his home where high levels of radon were discovered. It has since been estimated that about 1 in every 15 homes has elevated levels of radon.
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• According to the EPA, exposure to radon is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer in the US. The EPA has estimtaed that as many as 20,000 lung cancer deaths are caused by radon each year.
• Although elevated levels of radon are more typical in some states than in others, elevated levels of radon have been found in homes in all 50 states in the US.
• It is not uncommon for one home to have elevated levels of radon while the home next door does not have elevated levels of radon. The only way to be certain of the radon levels in your home is to have your home tested. | |
Radon Testing
