Radon is a naturally occurring gas which comes into the home through the foundation and basement. One in five homes in America have unacceptably high levels of radon, but systems to reduce the level of exposure are affordable and simple to operate.
Testing for Radon
Radon test kits are available, but hiring a firm to do the testing is as common and perhaps more reliable. Certainly, the results are faster from a contractor. Samples from do-it-yourself kits must be sent off to a lab for evaluation. If there is time to wait, kits can be obtained for much less money.
Many home improvement stores sell kits, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency has information on the website about coupons and reduced rate kits. There are two associations that can be contacted for reputable kits and contractors: National Environmental Health Association and the National Radon Safety Board. Both have websites.
Realtors have lists of companies that test for radon, because high levels of radon in a home can block the completion of a sale. Some clients with corporate relocation connections require testing prior to the closing date and remediation equipment if the test shows high levels.
The test is simple to do, but requires a minimum of 24 hours of sample collection. Home kits may require two to three days. A testing contractor will set up test equipment in the lowest level of the home and return in 24 hours to collect the equipment. Results can be submitted within a day of the removal of the equipment.
High Levels of Radon
How much radon is too much? Outdoor air has 0.4 picocurries per liter radon content. American homes average 1.3 pC/L, and EPA has based their standards on the level in an average home. A test result of 4 pC/L requires the installation of equipment to lower the level. EPA recommends that homes testing in the 2 pC/L to 4 pC/L also be remediated.
Some areas of the country have higher concentrations of homes with high levels of radon, but homes with problem radon levels have been found in all areas of the country. For this reason, EPA recommends that all homes be tested for radon. Relying on generalized maps or a layman's opinion on the radon exposure in the local area is unwise.
How to Lower Radon Levels
Ventilation is the key to reducing radon levels in the home. The ventilation equipment does not change out the air in the whole house, instead it channels air from under the slab of the home by means of a fan and pipe that blows the air to the outside. In this way, radon gas is prevented from entering the home in quantities that would raise the exposure level. The fan runs twenty-four hours per day and is never shut off.
A qualified contractor who has experience designing the installation of radon systems is necessary. The layout of different homes can require specialized design to be certain of adequate reduction of radon gas. Eliminating the gas would not be possible for a reasonable cost, but reduction to levels within guidelines is a routine result with modern radon systems.
Contact the state radon office where the home sits for information about kits and contractors. This is one cancer threat that can be detected and reduced.
Resources:
U.S. Evironmental Protection Agency, Radon Home Page
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Press Release, January 3, 2011
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