Radon inspection is an important process when purchasing a new home, and one you should repeat every two years to ensure radon levels in your home remain low. Exposure to radon fumes carries a number of health risks, especially if radon fumes are concentrated in a highly used area of the home.
Identification
Radon is an odorless, invisible gas that is caused by the breakdown of uranium in rock and soil. According to the EPA, radon causes approximately 21,000 deaths due to lung cancer every year. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in America, and the primary cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. The link between radon and lung cancer was originally discovered after studies of underground mines revealed that the miners experienced a higher risk of lung cancer.
Radon in the Home
Outside, where radon is able to dissipate into the air, your risk of radon exposure is low. Indoors, however, radon can accumulate in enclosed spaces. As radon moves up through the ground, it can enter your home through cracks in the floor or walls, cavities inside the walls, construction joints or even the water supply. Radon can also be found in well water or groundwater, and can be released into the air during showers and other uses.
Measurement
Radon is measured in terms of picocuries per liter of air, or pCi/L. The EPA recommends radon mitigation if your home's radon levels are 4 pCi/L or higher; however, radon levels lower than this may still pose a health risk. A study conducted by the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics found that an increased lung cancer risk was present at levels as low as 3 pCi/L.
Testing for Radon
Radon testing is fairly easy and can be conducted on a short-term or long-term basis. You can purchase a short-term radon test kit online or at hardware stores, or hire a qualified tester to measure your radon levels for you. Depending on the type of test, you will need to leave it in place for two to 90 days, then mail the completed test to the address included with the device. Short-term tests are adequate for providing quick results, for example, if you are under contract on a new home; however, because radon levels tend to vary throughout the year, a long-term test is better at determining a year-round average radon level.
Radon Mitigation
The United States Congress has set a goal that indoor radon levels be reduced to match outdoor radon levels, which are typically around 0.4 pCi/L. While the EPA reports that this goal is still not achievable in many cases, most homes can be reduced to 2 pCi/L or lower. The most common method for lowering radon levels in the home is with a soil suction radon reduction system, which pulls radon from beneath the home and redirects it to the outside air. The EPA also recommends sealing foundation cracks and other openings in the home. Sealing cracks can make other radon mitigation efforts more effective, but should not be used as a stand-alone radon treatment as it may not significantly reduce radon levels.
