Anderson Property InspectionS
Radon
WHAT IS RADON?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas resulting from the decay of uranium, a radio active material, found in certain types bedrock -mostly granite and shale- and associated soils and ground water. Radon exposure has been tied to an increased risk of lung cancer.
Radon gas can only be detected by testing. You can’t see, smell or taste radon gas. Radon is normally reduced to very low levels in outdoor air, but in certain circumstances indoors, it can reach much higher concentrations.
RADON TESTING
Anderson Property can conduct a few simple tests so that you can be assured your home or office is a healthy space.
Radon is measured in “picocuries per liter of air” or pCi/L. Radon seeps into your home or office through cracks in the foundation. Testing should always take place in the lowest livable level of the structure; this is where the highest radon levels in the structure are typically found. Every section of the home that is in contact with the ground should be tested, especially different foundation types that are on different elevations.
Short term testing (2-7 days) should NOT be performed during heavy precipitation, high sustained winds or powerful low pressure systems, as all of these can cause temporary high spikes in indoor radon levels. Radon levels usually reach maximum concentration during the coldest winter months. This should be considered when conducting testing in your home.
Your chances of getting lung cancer from radon depend mostly on:
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How much radon is in your home
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The amount of time you spend in your home
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Whether you are a smoker or have ever smoked
HEALTH EFFECTS OF RADON EXPOSURE
Elevated levels of indoor radon increases the risk of lung cancer.
Radon gas decays into radioactive particles that can get trapped into your lungs when you breathe. As they break down further , these particles release small bursts of energy.
Radon exposure can damage lung tissue and lead to lung cancer over the course of a lifetime. However, not everyone exposed to elevated levels of radon will develop lung cancer. The amount of time between exposure and the onset of the disease may be many years.
Like other environmental pollutants, there is some uncertainty about the magnitude of risk radon poses to individual health. The information scientists have regarding the health risks associated with radon are based on studies of cancer in humans (underground miners).
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: If radon levels are high in a home I am interested in buying, should I not buy the home?
A: Don’t let high radon levels stop you from buying your dream home. Safe Radon levels can easily and cheaply be achieved by installing a radon mitigation system.
Q: Is a radon mitigation system is expensive?
A: The average cost of radon mitigation system generally ranges from $1000 to $1,600.
Q: Will a radon mitigation system decrease the value of my home?
A: A radon system actually has the potential to increase the value of your home.