Should you get a radon test when buying a home?
Whenever you are purchasing a new home, you really should get a radon test before closing the sale. If testing reveals an unacceptable level of the gas found within your home, it is a good idea to initiate radon remediation methods. Radon remediation means you can rest assured the gas won't accumulate within your home.
Does your home or building need radon testing?
The only way to know if your new home has a radon problem is to test. The EPA recommends that average annual indoor radon levels do not exceed 4.0 pCi/L. If your home is built with a passive radon system, you should test it immediately after moving in to make sure that radon levels are below the EPA guideline.
Is radon testing really necessary?
“It’s worth testing for radon because it’s easy to test for and easy to mitigate… and cancer is such a devastating disease that’s best avoided,” said Dr. Douglas Kemme, an oncologist with UCHealth in northern Colorado. Testing is recommended during a time of the year when all of the windows and doors are closed – like this month, January.
Should I test for radon during my home inspection?
Should I Test for Radon During My Home Inspection? If you’re buying or selling your home, the EPA suggests you have it tested for radon and most top real estate agents would agree. But what is radon and is it harmful? Radon is a transparent radioactive gas that has no smell, taste, or color.
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How important is a radon test?
If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high. Testing is the only way to find out your home's radon levels. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon.
Is radon in a home a deal breaker?
You can't see it, smell it, or taste it, but radon gas is a leading cause of lung cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. However, the presence of radon in your home doesn't have to be a deal breaker.
Which houses are most likely to have radon?
Exposure to radon can be especially high for people who use their basements as a living space. Like basements, homes with slab-on-grade foundations have many openings that allow radon to enter. Homes with crawl spaces (vented and sealed) can also have elevated radon levels.
What state has the most radon?
Radon is measured by its rate of decay, expressed as pCi/L (picocuries per liter)....Below are the top five states with the greatest radon levels based on data from several sources.Alaska: 10.7 pCi/L. ... South Dakota: 9.6 pCi/L. ... Pennsylvania: 8.6 pCi/L. ... Ohio: 7.8 pCi/L. ... Washington: 7.5 pCi/L.
What are the signs and symptoms of radon exposure?
If you think you've been exposed Possible symptoms include shortness of breath (difficulty breathing), a new or worsening cough, pain or tightness in the chest, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing. If you smoke and you know you've been exposed to high levels of radon, it's very important to quit smoking.
How long is long term exposure to radon?
There are no immediate signs or symptoms from breathing in background radon. Repeated exposure over time — around 20 years — can lead to cancer development, especially if you are also a smoker.
What season is radon highest?
winterIndoor radon levels are normally at the highest in the winter or colder months because of the thermal stack effect, a snowy barrier, and tightly sealed homes. Cold temperatures increase the pressure within the home, meaning more air is being pulled in from the ground, which elevates the risk of radon entering the home.
Does opening windows reduce radon?
As a temporary solution, however, you can reduce radon levels simply by opening windows. Opening windows improves air circulation and ventilation, helping move radon out of the house and mixing radon-free outside air with indoor air. Make sure all your basement windows are open.
Which creates the greatest radon threat?
For most people, the greatest exposure to radon occurs in the home where people spend much of their time, though indoor workplaces may also be a source of exposure.
Will an air purifier help with radon?
Air Purifiers are great for mold, dust, allergies, bacteria and viruses, and odors, but many people do not know that they can also help with toxins, gases and chemicals such as radon. The most important type of air filter to reduce radon levels is an activated carbon filter.
What state has lowest radon levels?
Hawaii has the lowest radon levels of all 50 states, with an average level of 0 pCi/L. The uranium content of Hawaiian rocks is low, and most rocks near the surface are porous, allowing for air infiltration to dilute radon. Alaska has the highest radon levels of 10.7 pCi/L.
What can throw off a radon test?
Many factors can give either a false negative or a false positive when conducting a radon test. High winds, barometric pressures, temperature, rain, and your home's construction all play a role in radon readings.
Should I worry about radon gas?
High levels of radon can cause lung cancer, particularly for smokers and ex-smokers. Radon produces tiny radioactive particles in the air we breathe. Radiation from these particles damages our lung tissue, and over a long period may cause lung cancer.
Are radon mitigation systems worth it?
An effective radon mitigation system can reduce the radon level in your home by up to 99 percent. Homeowners with radon systems have also experienced a reduction of other indoor air quality issues such as moisture and soil gas intrusion problems in their home.
How do you get rid of radon in your home?
Other Ways to Reduce RadonIncrease air flow in your house by opening windows and using fans and vents to circulate air. ... Seal cracks in floors and walls with plaster, caulk, or other materials designed for this purpose.
How do I make my house safe from radon?
An active radon sump, fitted with a fan, is the most effective way to reduce indoor radon levels. Sumps work best under solid floors and under suspended floors if the ground is covered with concrete or a membrane. Occasionally, passive sumps without a fan may reduce radon levels.
Why do you need radon testing in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has historically high levels of radon. Being aware of the possible dangers and testing a new home is critical to maintaining your long-term health. Below are 3 reasons why radon testing is needed when buying a home. 1. Radon Is Undetectable By Human Senses. The main reason why radon testing is necessary if you are buying ...
How do you know if you have radon in your home?
So the only way to know whether radon is present in a home is to get the house tested.
What is passive radon mitigation?
Many new homes have passive radon mitigation systems installed, meaning that the system removes radon from the house through “passive” means, such as natural airflow. However, passive mitigation systems struggle to remove large amounts of radon and suffer from inconsistent performance.
Does radon cause cancer?
Over a period of years, radon particles damage lung tissues and cells, which increases the risk of lung cancer. Also, some regions of the country, like Pennsylvania, have very high radon levels due to their geology, and your new home may be in one of those regions.
Is radon testing necessary for a new home?
In short, yes, radon testing is necessary if you are planning on buying a new home. But many people are still unaware of both the presence of radon and the dangers radon poses.
How to lower radon levels in a new home?
Simple, inexpensive techniques can be used to lower radon levels and increase energy efficiency in your new home. Here are basic steps to follow when buying a new home. 1. Check Your Area's Radon Potential. Find out if you are buying a home in a high radon area.
How to activate radon system?
If your home tests at 4.0 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) or above, activate the system by installing an in-line fan. Call a local radon mitigator about installing the fan. Consult one or both of the national radon proficiency programs or your state radon contact for a list of qualified radon service professionals near you.
What does EPA recommend?
If you are buying a home or selling your home, have it tested for radon.
What are Radon-Resistant Features?
The techniques may vary for different foundations and site requirements, but the basic elements are:
What type of pipe is used to vent radon?
Vent Pipe. A 3- or 4-inch gas-tight or PVC pipe (or other gas-tight pipe) runs from the gas permeable layer through the house to the roof to safely vent radon and other soil gases above the house. E.
Can radon cause lung cancer?
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. High radon levels have been found in every state. Levels can vary widely, even from home to home in the same neighborhood. Radon levels can be lowered, and homes can be built radon-resistant. Top of Page.
Why is it important to test your home regularly for radon?
The risk grows with higher radon levels and greater exposure. That’s why it’s important to test your home fairly regularly to determine the levels of radon gas.
How often should I test for radon?
Because radon is so common and poses a health risk, all homes should be tested. The EPA suggests testing at least every two years or when you are preparing to sell the home — buyers will ask for the test results. If the radon test results show levels of 4 pCi/L (that’s picocuries per liter of air), that’s a problem.
What is radon gas?
This invisible gas is produced when naturally occurring elements — like radium, thorium, and uranium — decay. Since these elements are commonly found in dirt and rocks, they’re under and around our homes. While radon can dissolve into water, it usually disperses through the air. A heavy gas, radon sneaks into buildings through cracks ...
Why is radon dangerous?
Being exposed to high radon levels has been linked to increased risk and rates of cancer, says the American Cancer Society. The risk grows with higher radon levels and greater exposure. That’s why it’s important to test your home fairly regularly to determine the levels of radon gas.
How does radon work?
Essentially, a test is placed in the lowest lived-in level of your home, about 20 inches off the floor, and left there for a certain period. As levels can fluctuate, it’s important to measure levels over time. You can do the tests yourself or pay a professional.
How many cases of cancer are caused by radon?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, radon causes more than 20,000 cases of cancer each year. In fact, it’s a leading cause of lung cancer, second only to cigarettes.
Does radon damage the lungs?
When people breathe these particles in, they lodge in the lungs and damage cells. Being exposed to high radon levels has been linked to increased risk and rates of cancer, says the American Cancer Society.
Why is radon gas dangerous?
Why is radon gas a problem. Radon gas is a radioactive gas that is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer among those who smoke. It is present in many homes, posing a risk to its residents. That is why radon gas is considered a problem.
Is radon mitigation system good?
Like I mentioned above, the build quality of the radon mitigation system is very important. The system should be able to withstand corrosion and, most importantly, it shouldn’t leak. The radon gas concentration in the pipes of the mitigation system is hundreds of times more than than the levels in the house.
Can you get a mortgage with high radon?
There is no problem getting a mortgage for a house even if it has high radon levels. Even though lenders require a home inspection to make sure the house is in good condition, the radon levels would not be a problem.
Why do we need radon testing?
Therefore, there is a need for radon testing to ensure that every home and building is free from this cancer-causing gas. Since radon is the second-leading cause of cancer in the United States, many states developed laws to ensure public safety.
Which states do not require radon disclosure?
These states are Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, North Dakota, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Four states require tenant disclosure by the landlord. These states include are Colorado, Florida, Illinois, and Maine.
What states have radon laws?
Five states — Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska, and Ohio — impose criminal and civil penalties for misrepresenting radon readings. No matter where you are planning to live, it is crucial to know the radon state laws.
How many states have radon awareness programs?
Twelve states require a public education program or radon awareness program. They are California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin
How many states require testing for daycares?
Nine states require testing in daycare centers. These states include Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Idaho, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Rhode Island.
Is radon poisonous to humans?
Radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it hard for people to know where it is. But what makes it dangerous is the particles created that can cause lung cancers and other respiratory diseases. This radioactive gas is present in the environment.
Is radon a cancer?
Remember, radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas that can be found on soil and water. If the house where you live is located in an area where there are high radon levels, you might put your health in danger. Besides, there are states that require radon testing for homes.
How to fix radon in a home?
There is not a radon clean-up solution because radon gas continuously seeps into homes from the soil below. You have to stop the flow. Mitigation systems become permanent components of the home and have to be running all of the time to keep radon out. They do this by creating a permanent vacuum in the soil or gravel below the concrete slab or crawlspace membrane. This suction redirects the gas that's coming from the earth, sends it through sealed ventilation pipes and the radon fan to exhaust above the eave of the home where it dissipates into the atmosphere.
How long does it take to get a radon test?
Radon testing in real estate typically involves a 48 hour electronic radon test. Some providers use continuous radon monitors, electret radon measurement devices or activated charcoal (passive) radon test kits. As long as these devices are calibrated and placed correctly, you can expect to get accurate results.
How much does a radon mitigation system cost?
A radon system installed by a high quality radon contractor will run in the range of $1200-$1700.
What is radon mitigation?
A radon mitigation system is an improvement to the home. The systems can also keep out other soil gases like, methane, trichloroethylene, chlorine, bad odors and water vapors. Having a home with a radon mitigation system in place and keeping the levels low will help reduce lung cancer risk.
What is a good maintenance plan for radon mitigation?
A good maintenance plan is a good idea to keep the radon mitigation systems working well . Some companies will provide these services and some homeowners will do it themselves. Maintenance items can include: cleaning out the vent stack, re-sealing the cracks or sump pump, re-painting system parts, vacuum diagnostics and most importantly the re-test as explained earlier.
How long is radon testing good for?
Short term tests are good for real estate transactions and getting a quick idea but long term radon testing for more than 90 days offers a better idea of overall exposure.
What happens if you don't negotiate radon?
Because you will either have to do it for your own health and safety after you move in or you will have to disclose to any future buyers if you go to sell. It's very likely that your future buyer will make you fix the radon problem before they will purchase the home. It's good to just take care of it during your real estate deal. Sometimes the seller pays for it all, sometimes they fund a credit and sometimes there is a split.
Why is radon testing important?
Radon testing in your home is critical for a simple reason – there is no other way to detect radon, and if your home has an elevated level of radon, you need to mitigate it immediately to prevent further exposure for you and your family. Despite what you may think, any home can be affected by high levels of radon – no matter when or how it was built, what building materials are used, or its location in Virginia.
Where is radon most likely to be released?
A few of the cities which have the highest risk of radon include Augusta , Harrisonburg, Arlington, Falls Church, Covington and more. Even homes in cities in low potential exposure zones, such as Virginia Beach, should still be checked for radon. It’s estimated by the Virginia Department of Health that radon causes more than 700 cases of lung cancer in Virginia each year.
How Does Radon Affect My Health?
The radioactive gas enters your lungs, decays and releases radioactive particles that damage your lung cells, and increase your risk of lung cancer. Behind only smoking, radon is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in the United States.
Is radon dangerous in Virginia?
Radon is extremely harmful to your health, and is one of the leading causes of lung cancer – but it’s undetectable without proper testing. That’s why radon testing in Virginia is so important. Read on, and get more details about why you need to have your home in Virginia tested for radon.
How long does it take for radon to show up in a home inspection?
Radon test results usually arrive a week or two after your home inspection report and can be riddled with terrifying facts about this deadly gas. If it reveals high levels, you may be left wondering whether you should walk away from the sale. You don't have to. Here’s why.
What to do if a seller balks on radon?
Depending on your state, the agent may even be required by law to disclose the radon test results to other potential buyers on a seller’s disclosure form.
How is radon produced?
It's a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. Because the air pressure inside a house is typically lower than the pressure in the soil around its foundation, radon is drawn into the home through cracks in the foundation and other openings. Radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter, ...
How much does a radon removal system cost?
The EPA estimates that a radon removal system costs about $1,200 for an average house. The system is usually comprised of one or more PVC pipes that run from the radon-emitting soil beneath a home up through the roof. An in-line fan draws air through the system so that it doesn't leach into living spaces. Once installed, a follow-up radon test is done. Even in houses with extremely high radon levels, you can expect a drop to levels considered safe.
When do you get radon test results?
Radon test results usually arrive a week or two after your home inspection report ...
Is it safe to test for radon in a home?
Relying on just one radon test done as part of a home inspection is a mistake, even if it reveals that the home has safe levels. In our tests, test kits that measure long-term levels—90 days or more—were far more accurate than the one-week tests used by most home inspectors. That's because radon levels fluctuate day to day and season to season.
Is radon a hazardous substance?
Radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter, or pCi/L. Levels of 4 pCi/L or higher are considered hazardous. Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a risk and in many cases can be reduced, although it is difficult to reduce levels below 2 pCi/L.
