The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Housing Administration (FHA), and the Surgeon-General of the United States are in agreement: homeowners should have their homes inspected for the presence of radon. Radon is considered a serious risk to health by international authorities as well. The World Health Organization, in conjunction with the EPA, has instituted the International Radon Project in order to raise awareness and promote prevention of radon-related illnesses in countries around the globe. Knowing the facts about radon can help you protect yourself and your family from this dangerous gas.
What is radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. Colorless, tasteless and odorless, radon is formed by the breakdown of uranium. It can form in water, rock, or soil. Prolonged exposure to radon gas has been shown to increase the risk of lung cancer, especially in smokers.
How does radon enter my home?
Since radon is a byproduct of the natural decomposition of uranium, it exists in the soil. If your house is located over or near a deposit of uranium, radon gas will work its way up through the soil and through any cracks or flaws in the foundation. Depending on your home’s design, radon gas can also seep in through spaces inside walls or around pipes, and through open drains on the basement level.
What health problems can radon cause?
Radon has been linked to a significantly increased risk of lung cancer and is blamed for 20,000 deaths yearly in the United States. Because radon is a radioactive particle-bearing gas, it is breathed directly into the lungs; once there, the particles continue to break down, depositing carcinogenic energy directly onto the surface of the lungs.
How can I determine if dangerous levels of radon are present in my home?
A number of do-it-yourself kits are available at home improvement stores. If you opt for this type of test, it’s essential that you follow the instructions exactly; your results will not be accurate if the test is not done exactly as indicated by the packaging. You may also wish to hire a professional radon testing company to perform the test. Make sure any company you choose is certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program to ensure the accuracy of your results. The National Environmental Health Association administers these certifications, which ensure that the radon tester meets the same standards required by the EPA for its radon testing programs.
How much does radon testing cost?
Prices range from $10 for some home testing kits to over $150 for professional radon testing companies.
If radon is present, what is my next step?
Generally, radon remediation is not something you can do yourself. Professional remediation companies offer a variety of methods to radon-proof your home, and their work is usually guaranteed. One of the most popular methods for remedying serious radon infiltration is to install a depressurization system beneath your foundation, preventing radon from seeping upwards by removing the pressure differential and venting the radon safely outside your home.
How much will radon remediation cost?
Depending on the levels of radon inside your home, the extent of remediation work necessary, and the number of contractors in your area, prices can range anywhere from $150 for minor sealing and caulking jobs to $800 or more for a basic depressurization system. Depressurization systems can vary widely in price depending on the size and location of your home, in some cases costing over $3000 for a professional installation.
How long will it take?
Radon remediation is a fairly quick process and usually takes only one or two days to complete.
Radon can present serious health risks to you and your family. Fortunately, radon testing and remediation services are available to ensure that your home is free from this dangerous substance. Testing your home for radon is quick and relatively inexpensive, and can protect your health and peace of mind for years to come.
Joe Cline writes articles for Austin Texas real estate. Other articles written by the author related to Austin Texas real estate and Lakeway real estate can be found on the net.
