What is
Radon?
Radon comes from the natural
breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water.
The release of this radioactive gas enters the air you
breathe, causing a potential health risk to you and your
family.
Radon gas can be found in just about anywhere. It can
get into any type of building -- homes, offices, and
schools -- and build up to high levels.
What you
should know about Radon
Radon is a cancer causing
radioactive gas. You cannot see radon and you cannot
smell it or taste it, but it may be a problem in your
home. This is because when you breathe air-containing
radon, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer. In
fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the
second leading cause of lung cancer.
You should test for radon. Testing is the only
way to find out about your home's radon level. The EPA
and the Surgeon General recommend testing of all homes
below the third floor for radon.
You can fix a radon problem. If you find that you
have high radon levels, there are ways to fix a radon
problem. Even very high levels can be reduced to
acceptable levels.
If you are buying a home. EPA recommends that you
obtain the radon level in the home you are considering
buying. An EPA publication "The Home Buyer's and
Seller's Guide" is available through most State Health
Departments or Regional EPA offices listed in your local
phone book. EPA also recommends that you use a certified
or state licensed radon tester to perform the test. If
elevated levels are found it is recommended that these
levels be reduced. In most cases, a professional can
accomplish this at reasonable cost or homeowner
installed mitigation system that adheres to the EPA's
approved methods for reduction of radon in a residential
structure.
What
are the Risk Factors?
The EPA, Surgeon General and
The Center for Disease Control, have all agreed that
continued exposure to Radon gas can cause lung cancer.
In fact, their position on the matter is that all homes
should be tested for radon gas exposure, and all homes
testing over 4 pCi/L should be fixed.
How
Does Radon Enter the Home?
Typically the air pressure
inside your home is lower than the pressure in the soil
around your home's foundation.
Due to this difference, your house acts like a vacuum,
drawing radon gas in through foundation cracks and other
openings of your home.
Radon may also be present in well water and can be
released into the air in your home when water is used
for showering and other household uses.
Potential Entry Points:
|
1 |
Cavities inside
walls |
2 |
Cracks in solid
floors |
3 |
Construction joints
|
|
4 |
Cracks in walls
|
5 |
The water supply
|
6 |
Gaps in suspended
floors |
|
7 |
Gaps around service
pipes |
Also:
Radon In Water |
Copyright © 2006
Jim Tebo Home Inspections,
Inc.
email
Created by Pteradactyl Creative |
