Should I buy a house with a high radon level?
You may be concerned if you find out the house you want to buy tests positive for radon, but don’t necessarily write off a home with radon exposure if you’ve found a home you really want to buy. There are radon mitigation systems that can safely keep radon at bay.
What state has the highest level of radon?
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. Homeowners in Alaska are encouraged to test for radon every two years.
What level of radon is dangerous in a house?
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. The EPA estimates that a radon removal system costs about $1,200 for an average house.
Does your home have high radon?
The reason that radon levels in the home can be higher in the summer and winter is two-fold. During the winter, the air in your home tends to be much warmer than the outside air, and this temperature difference creates a vacuum within your home. The warm air circulates around the house, starting from the ground level, up.
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What is the highest acceptable radon level?
4 pCi/LEPA recommends homes be fixed if the radon level is 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) or more. Because there is no known safe level of exposure to radon, EPA also recommends that Americans consider fixing their home for radon levels between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L.
What level of radon is toxic?
Radon Risk If You SmokeRadon LevelIf 1,000 people who smoked were exposed to this level over a lifetime*...20 pCi/LAbout 260 people could get lung cancer10 pCi/LAbout 150 people could get lung cancer8 pCi/LAbout 120 people could get lung cancer4 pCi/LAbout 62 people could get lung cancer4 more rows•May 10, 2022
At what level does radon cause cancer?
Who Is at Risk of Radon Exposure?Radon levelIf 1,000 people who smoked were exposed to this level over a lifetime…*4 pCi/LAbout 62 persons could get lung cancer2 pCi/LAbout 32 persons could get lung cancer1.3 pCi/LAbout 20 persons could get lung cancer0.4 pCi/LAbout 3 persons could get lung cancer4 more rows
Do air purifiers 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.
Can high radon levels be fixed?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends contacting a qualified professional to install a radon reduction (also called radon mitigation) system if your home radon level is at or above 4 pCi/L of air. These are fixes to your home to lower the radon level.
Where are radon levels highest in a house?
Radon levels are often highest in the lowest part of a home or building, so testing in the basement or first floor is a good place to start. Fix your home if a test shows elevated radon levels at or above 4 pCi/L. Find a certified contractor, get cost estimates and fix spaces with an elevated radon level.
How quickly can radon affect you?
Radon gas can damage cells in your lungs, which can lead to cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States, though it usually takes 5 to 25 years to develop. Early signs and symptoms of lung cancer may include: persistent cough.
Can you recover from radon exposure?
Unfortunately there is no cure for radon poisoning. Radon enters the body as in the form of tiny particles. These particles enter the lungs where they release alpha radiation that can damage lung cells and lead to lung cancer. The damage caused by the radiation cannot be reversed.
Does HVAC reduce radon?
This study shows that even the most standard ventilation provided by an HVAC system can reduce levels. The impact of radon is statistical and improvements can continue to be gained at levels below the current 4.0 pCi/l action level.
How worried of radon should I be?
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.
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.
Will a dehumidifier remove radon?
No, buying a dehumidifier will not make radon go away. Research conducted by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has clearly disproved this idea.
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.
Does radon travel upstairs?
In a house with forced air heating and cooling, radon gas can easily be distributed throughout the entire dwelling. When radon gas is discharged via a radon mitigation system above the roof, the radon concentration falls off dramatically with distance from the point of discharge.
What are the symptoms of radon in your home?
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.
What causes radon to spike?
Weather – changing temperatures and wind can affect the pressure difference between indoor air and ground air. This is important because radon traditionally leaks into the house from ground air. If temperature differences and wind cause negative pressure in the house, indoor radon levels are likely to increase.
Does radon get worse over time?
Do radon levels change over time? We are asked about this all the time and the answer is yes. As the earth and soil under a house changes with time, it can produce higher levels of radon gas. Also, as your house ages, the radon that accumulates in the house may increase.
What types of homes have the most radon?
Answer: All types of houses can have radon problems-old homes, new homes, drafty homes, insulated homes, homes with basements and homes without basements. Construction materials and the way the home has been built may also affect radon levels, but this is rare.
Is radon more common in older homes?
While looking for a new home, it can be easy to assume that radon is an issue only older homes could face, but this would be false. The truth is, radon is around us all the time, and knowing your home's radon levels, old or new, is crucial to you and your home's health.
What should you not do during a radon test?
Turn off all air moving devices during the test. This would include ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, regular fans, HEPA or any other kind of filtering device that moves air. Do not operate fireplaces or heating stoves during the test unless they are your main source of heat.
What percentage of radon is acceptable?
Ideally, the target level of radon concentration in a home should be below 100 Bq/m3, and any radon mitigation that is conducted on your property will be done with this end figure as a target.
What should my radon meter read?
The readout on the manometer should be between 0.5in – 1.75in. In most cases these are acceptable levels indicating, your system is operating correct. When your Radon system is shut off the fluid should rest at zero if it does not then your manometer is low on fluid.
What are the symptoms of too much radon?
A persistent cough could be a sign that you have radon poisoning.Persistent cough.Hoarseness.Wheezing.Shortness of breath.Coughing up blood.Chest pain.Frequent infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.Loss of appetite.More items...
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.
How to fix radon in a home?
Some fixes for a home that has elevated levels of radon could be DIY, including sealing cracks in the foundation, improving your home’s natural ventilation and creating room pressurization with fans. However, the EPA recommends that you have a qualified radon mitigation contractor fix your home because it may need a radon mitigation system installed. A radon mitigation system consists of a vent pipe, fan and the proper sealing of cracks. This system collects radon gas from underneath the foundation and vents it to the outside of your home. Contact your state radon office for a list of licensed radon mitigation professionals in your area. Detailed information about radon reduction in your home or building can be found in the EPA's Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction.
How to reduce radon levels in home?
Confirm that there is actually a problem. Most experts recommend testing at least twice before starting work to reduce your home’s radon levels.
How many homes in the US have radon?
First, relax: you’re not alone. One in 15 homes across the country tests positive for dangerous levels of radon, an invisible, odorless gas that causes lung cancer.
Is radon mitigation expensive?
Pricing to install a radon mitigation system will of course vary based on home size and region, but most people find the final price is reasonable for the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve prevented yourself and your loved ones from breathing in dangerous levels of cancer-causing radon gas.
Can radon mitigation be retested?
Your radon mitigation professional will likely retest your home for you once your new system is installed. However, you will want to continue to test your home. Even with a mitigation system, the only way to know your radon levels are in a safe range is to continuously test. That’s it!
Can radon cause cancer?
And exposure to high levels of radon can cause lung cancer. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths each year in the United States, contributing to lung cancer’s status as the #1 cancer killer.
Can radon be elevated?
Once the radon-resistant features have been installed and the home is completely built, make sure to perform radon testing, as the levels could still be elevated. If the radon levels are still elevated, a radon fan should be added to the system to lower the radon level.
What is the average radon level in the air?
The average concentration of radon in outdoor air is .4 pCi/L or 1/10th of EPA's 4 pCi/L action level.
What is the EPA action level for radon?
Radon is found in outdoor air and in the indoor air of buildings of all kinds. EPA recommends homes be fixed if the radon level is 4 pCi/L (picocurries per liter) or more. Because there is no known safe level of ...
What is the recommended radon level for a home?
EPA recommends homes be fixed if the radon level is 4 pCi/L (picocurries per liter) or more. Because there is no known safe level of exposure to radon, EPA also recommends that Americans consider fixing their home for radon levels between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L.
What are my radon levels, and what do they mean?
As they say, everything is relative, and what is an acceptable radon level to one country or organization may differ from what is acceptable to another. This is influenced by numerous factors including the type of rocks and soil beneath a building, ventilation and duration of time spent in the building.
What is the pCi unit?
Picocuries per liter of air, or pCi/L, which is one of the preferred measurements for the speed of decay in radon, is equal to one trillionth of a curie, abbreviated as pCi. The pCi unit is used in the United States because it is required by federal law. Just about everywhere else that uses the metric system, including the World Health Organization, measures in Becquerels. 1 pCi/L is equal to 37 Bq/m3.
What is the average radon level?
The best radon level measurement would be zero. Unfortunately, that's not possible. The average global outdoor radon level varies between 5-15 Bq/m3, equal to 0.135-0.405 pCi/L. For every 99.9 Bq/m3, or every 2.7 pCI/L increase in long term radon exposure, lung cancer risk rises 16% 4. The thing to remember is that the lower the level, the lower the risk.As radon gas can accumulate indoors, it is important to monitor daily. Airthings radon detectors can give you peace of mind, so that you are notified when high radon levels occur.
How to know if your air is safe?
The best way to know the air you are breathing is clean and safe is by monitoring long term, with a detector that will track changes so you don't have to think about it!
What is the standard level of radon?
In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency action level of 4 pCi/L is the standard, a little higher than that of the WHO. It is also thought that reducing levels to sub-4.0 p/Ci would cut yearly cancer deaths from radon in half.
How many people die from radon?
One thing remains certain: radon can cause cancer. In fact, approximately 21,000 people die from radon-related lung cancer every year in the United States and 20,000 in the EU 1. That alone should be the reason to find out if you, or your family, is being exposed to excessive levels of the dangerous gas.
What is the recommended gas level for a gas?
The World Health Organization recommends that countries adopt reference levels of the gas of 100 Bq/m3 (Becquerel per cubic meter). If this level cannot be implemented under the prevailing country-specific conditions, WHO recommends that the reference level should not exceed 300 Bq/m3.
How to reduce radon in house?
There are several proven methods to reduce radon in your home (called radon mitigation), but the one most used has a vent pipe system and fan, which pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it to the outside. This system, known as a soil suction radon reduction system, does not require major changes to your home.
What is the best way to seal cracks in a floor?
Seal cracks in floors and walls with plaster, caulk, or other materials designed for this purpose.
Where is radon released?
Radon is a radioactive gas that is naturally released in the air from rocks and soil. It can be found in the air outside and can get inside buildings and homes, where it can build up. There is no known safe level of radon. Aiming for the lowest radon level you can achieve in your home will reduce your risk of harmful health effects, including lung cancer.
Who can fix radon in my home?
You should use a contractor who is trained to fix radon problems. A qualified contractor can identify the radon problem in your home and recommend the right radon reduction method. Check with your state radon office. for names of qualified or state certified radon contractors in your area.
What is a Radon Level?
Radon is an invisible, radioactive gas that mixes with the air to affect the overall indoor air quality. Because long-term exposure to radon can have potentially harmful side-effects, radon test kits are used to determine the concentration levels of radon in indoor, breathable air. The air we breathe is mostly nitrogen and oxygen, but these tests are sensitive enough to capture tiny particles of the radon gas. Exposure to the air for a specific amount of time allows the test to capture just enough particles to get an accurate reading of the overall gas levels. Circulating air too rapidly around or over the test will cause false readings. Manufacturers recommend keeping the tests away from doors and windows. The air coming in through a window could dilute the radon gas level to create a false low reading or influence it in the other direction. For an accurate reading of the gases in your home's air supply, proper placement is essential.
What is Considered a Safe Radon Level?
There is technically no safe radon level for constant exposure. Radon is potentially dangerous in even the smallest amounts. It is best to aim for as close to zero radon gas in the home as possible. For this reason, the EPA has created recommendations based on this level of exposure over the years. The EPA officially states that homes with measurements of 4 pCi/L or above should be immediately mitigated to remedy the issue. However, this doesn't mean that a home that has 3 pCi/L of radon is automatically safe to live in. The WHO specifically states that "there is no known threshold below which radon exposure carries no risk." All radon exposure increases your risk for cancer, so truly the only safe radon level is zero. Regular testing to accurately capture how the radon levels change in your home on a seasonal basis is the best way to understand your own risk.
Why do you need to have radon mitigation kit inspected?
Long-term test kits are used in other parts of the home to track the results of the system. If you get an unusual test result or notice the system isn’t running for long periods of time , you should have it inspected. Annual maintenance from a professional radon mitigation specialist is also important to keep your equipment running smoothly and adjusted to the latest readings from your tests.
How much radon should I use in my home?
It is best to aim for as close to zero radon gas in the home as possible. For this reason, the EPA has created recommendations based on this level of exposure over the years. The EPA officially states that homes with measurements of 4 pCi/L or above should be immediately mitigated to remedy the issue.
How does radon affect the air?
Radon is an invisible, radioactive gas that mixes with the air to affect the overall indoor air quality. Because long-term exposure to radon can have potentially harmful side-effects, radon test kits are used to determine the concentration levels of radon in indoor, breathable air. The air we breathe is mostly nitrogen and oxygen, but these tests are sensitive enough to capture tiny particles of the radon gas. Exposure to the air for a specific amount of time allows the test to capture just enough particles to get an accurate reading of the overall gas levels. Circulating air too rapidly around or over the test will cause false readings. Manufacturers recommend keeping the tests away from doors and windows. The air coming in through a window could dilute the radon gas level to create a false low reading or influence it in the other direction. For an accurate reading of the gases in your home's air supply, proper placement is essential.
Why do we need radon test kits?
Because long-term exposure to radon can have potentially harmful side-effects, radon test kits are used to determine the concentration levels of radon in indoor, breathable air. The air we breathe is mostly nitrogen and oxygen, but these tests are sensitive enough to capture tiny particles of the radon gas. Exposure to the air for ...
How is radon measured?
How Radon is Measured. You likely don’t need a professional or a mitigation team just to test your home for radon. This is a simple process any homeowner can handle on their own. Radon levels are easily measured with at-home tests you set up in certain areas and send away for lab analysis.
How to reduce radon levels in a house?
And suppose the level is high, here are some radon reduction techniques that you can do. 1. Create a gas-permeable layer that is beneath the slab or flooring. Doing so allows the radioactive gas to move under your house. However, this technique only works if you have a basement or slab foundation. 2.
What to do before radon reduction?
Radon Testing. One of the first things you need to do before doing any radon reduction technique is radon testing. Doing so allows you to tell if your home has high radon levels. There are several ways to test your home for radon, including short-term and long-term testing.
How long does radon test last?
Long-term radon testing measures radon levels for more than 90 days, including alpha-track and electret ion chamber detectors.
What is the safest level of radon?
Radon levels determine the amount of radon present in your home. The safest radon level is zero, but it is pretty challenging to keep it at zero level unless your home was built with radon reduction construction techniques since it is naturally occurring. Besides, radon levels may vary from time to time, so it is recommended to test your home ...
How long can you test for radon?
Suppose you are in a hurry; you can measure radon for two to three days. For a short-term test, it is recommended to keep your doors and windows closed as much as possible. This way, you can avoid the fans from bringing air from outside. You may use the following devices for short term radon testing:
Can you test your home for radon?
Besides, radon levels may vary from time to time, so it is recommended to test your home for radon. And if the radon levels are high, you need to reduce them as soon as possible. In this article, learn some radon reduction strategies that can provide both short-term and long-term benefits.
Can you test for radon in a month?
You may use the following devices for short term radon testing: Since radon levels might change from day to day or month to month, it would be best to opt for long-term radon testing. This is because, according to radon experts, you’ll get the most accurate results from this kind of test.
What to do if radon manometer is zero?
If the manometer is reading zero, check the GFI outlet the radon fan is connected to to make sure that the electricity to the fan has not been interrupted. This is important especially if you have had a power outage. If your fan is not outside or not connected to a GFI, contact your mitigation company.
How to reduce radon in basement?
In houses that have a basement, crawlspace or a slab-on-grade foundation, radon is usually reduced by one of three types of soil depressurization: sub-slab, drain tile (often using sump hole), or block wall. Active sub-slab depressurization is the most common and usually the most reliable radon reduction method. One or more suction pipes are inserted through the floor slab into the crushed rock or soil underneath. They also may be inserted below the concrete slab from outside the house. The number and location of suction pipes that are needed depends on how easily air can move through the substrate under the slab as determined by airflow testing. Often, only a single suction point is needed and very rarely must piping be installed in the finished areas of basements.
How does a heat recovery ventilator work?
A heat recovery ventilator (HRV), also called an air-to-air heat exchanger can be installed to increase ventilation which will help reduce the radon levels in your home. An HRV will increase ventilation by introducing outdoor air while using the heated or cooled air being exhausted to warm or cool the incoming air. HRVs are more effective in reducing radon levels when used to ventilate only the basement and when the radon level is less than 10 pCi/L.
How often should I do a radon test?
Conduct a radon test every two years to make sure that radon mitigation system is operating correctly and reducing radon concentrations to below 4 pCi/L.
How to contact RMCA in New Jersey?
CLICK HERE to contact RMCA or call 914-420-2051 to speak with someone right away. For help in New Jersey, dial 845-376-2480.
Does sealing radon levels lower radon levels?
Note: Sealing entry points does not lower radon levels reliably or consistently and is not recommended by the EPA as the sole method for mitigation. However sealing may enhance the performance of the mitigation system.
Is it a good idea to correct radon levels?
It is a good practice to correct a radon problem before you put your house on the market. High radon levels have been known to negatively affect home sales. Radon mitigation systems do not require major changes to your home and do not adversely effect the value of your home! Homes mitigated to acceptable levels have added protection against radon and therefore make the mitigation system an excellent selling point.
