Preparing your home – one you lived in for years – so it’s presentable to strangers is frustrating. Come to find out, you have to pay for a slew of updates if you want your listing agent to consider putting it on the market.
The outside of your house needs paint. A bathroom needs to be cleaned and remodeled, and your kitchen needs to be updated – with new countertops and appliances no less. By the time you’re done with all that, there’s no reason to leave! The whole house will be like new!
To make matters worse, you just had your home tested and found out there are high radon levels inside.
On top of these adjustments, it doesn’t make sense to pay even more for testing and mitigation. But how will you ever sell the home with those elevated levels? It’s not like you can hide that information from a potential buyer, right?
Radon Testing and Real Estate Transactions
During real estate transactions, radon testing can be a headache, especially if you discover high levels. It becomes an even bigger problem as more people learn of radon and its dangers.
After all, radon is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. The fact it’s invisible to the naked eye and undetectable – without a proprietary test – means most people would overlook it.
But as much of a hassle as it can be, testing for radon is important. Ensuring radon levels are acceptable – below 4.0 pCi/L – means you are securing the health of your family and anyone else that lives in your home.
If you knew for sure your home was dangerous, would you pass it on to another family without saying anything? If your answer is no, then you should have your home tested, at the very least.
Many people believe radon testing and mitigation are expensive, but they actually are not. To be honest, no one wants to pay money to remedy a problem in a house they will no longer live in, but it’s still necessary.
You can test your home for $30 or less by picking up a radon testing kit at your local hardware store or online. If you find elevated levels, you can hire a radon professional to retest – likely for free as a consultation – before mitigation.
Mitigation isn’t that expensive either. It can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 for the most expensive improvements. Services tend to be on the cheaper side of that spectrum.
When you consider the costs of lung cancer – which radon can cause – those numbers seem even cheaper.
There are no laws that prevent you from selling a home with elevated radon, so you can do it. But, in certain states there are laws that require sellers to provide a radon disclosure in real estate documents. In some, the disclosure must also include known testing results and maintenance data for a mitigation system.
We won’t discuss the ethics of selling a home with high radon, that’s for you to decide. Just know, it is possible and there’s nothing legally stopping you.
Do we recommend doing so? No.
Can I Sell My Home with High Radon If the Issues are Resolved?
Yes, and there’s nothing wrong with doing so provided you inform the buyer about the mitigation system in your home. It may not seem like it, but homes are more appealing when they have resolved issues – like high radon.
Image by SWAT Environmental
It’s natural to worry a potential buyer will walk away because of a mitigation system in the home, but educated buyers know better.
A mitigation system – when properly maintained – will keep the air quality in a home safe and clean from radon. So there is no immediate threat whatsoever.
And it’s better if you have the testing results handy and take action before a potential buyer identifies a problem. If radon is discovered before a transaction is complete, it can put negotiations on hold for weeks, maybe even months.
Plus, every day you are there is another you and your family are exposed to the deadly gas, unless you are not living in the house.
Buyers Can Request the Seller Handle Radon Problems
During negotiations, the buyer can request the seller take care of any radon problems, including testing and mitigation. It would be more advantageous to have these things taken care of before you get to that point. There’s no telling how long the delay will be if you have to wait for test, then have a mitigation system installed.
So, can I sell my home with high radon inside? The bottom line is yes, but you shouldn’t. Do with that information what you will.
You’d think since Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US, there would be a lot of legislation surrounding the issue. It is the cause of more than 21,000 deaths each year, after all.
Sadly, that’s not the case. There aren’t many state radon laws that encourage testing or mitigation.
In the late 80’s and 90’s, there was a big push in state legislature. Radon was a hot issue and it was covered by many. Attention and awareness have since died down, and laws related to radon have also fallen by the wayside.
About 75% of the 50 US states do have some kind of law that addresses radon gas, but not in the way you might think. For example, most laws require radon professionals to be nationally certified or licensed. Also, there are laws that require home sellers and realtors to disclose any known radon information about a property.
No state radon laws, however, require homes be tested for radon during a real estate transaction. That is concerning, to say the least.
We’re going to take a look at some of the state radon laws that exist and what they entail.
Radon Disclosure Laws
About 30-40 states have radon disclosure laws. What this requires is simple. During a real estate transaction, the seller must disclose any and all known radon levels or testing results.
If they have never tested the property for the presence of radon, then that’s all they have to say during a home sale. This leaves the testing and mitigation on the shoulders of the buyer.
A small list of states also requires sellers to include a warning about the presence of radon in the home. This is generally included in the sale contract or an amendment to the sale documents.
Radon certification laws address the businesses and professionals that will be dealing with radon gas in homes. This includes companies that provide testing and mitigation services.
20 to 30 states have laws in place that require professionals to earn a certification or license before they can practice radon duties.
The regulations outline procedures and requirements for qualifications, testing and mitigation standards, reporting and analytics, and finally penalties (for not following regulations).
There are also third-party certification programs like the NEHA that work directly with state governments to license and qualify professionals.
What this means for home and property owners is that you should always ask for qualifications when hiring a radon professional.
Radon Testing Laws
The first thing you should understand is that there are currently no national or state radon laws that require testing in homes. This means that sellers and property owners are under no legal obligations to have a residential building tested for the presence of radon.
Photo by WPB Radon
A handful of states do require that schools and child care centers be tested.
States that require radon testing in child care centers (daycare and after school programs):
CT
FL
IA
NJ
RI
It is important to note that although these state radon laws require testing, that does not mean they also require mitigation to deal with elevated levels. This may seem counterintuitive to why these laws exist – and it is – but unfortunately, there’s nothing that requires a lot of these properties to mitigate the issue.
Currently, Rhode Island is the only state that requires radon testing for “public or high priority buildings” also. This includes places like the state courthouse, libraries, and similar public properties.
Maine does require that residential buildings be tested for the presence of radon every ten years after they are built, unless they have a mitigation system installed. Yet, to have the property tested a tenant or landlord must request it.
Finally, we have the radon-resistant new construction state radon laws. These require that new homes and buildings be constructed using radon-resistant materials and techniques. In theory, these locations should not experience radon issues, but it’s still a good idea to test them regularly just to be sure.
The states that have these laws in place include:
Schools:
CT
NJ
RI
Homes:
NJ
MI
WA
MN
Help Raise Awareness
Now you see why we’re always talking about raising awareness for the dangers of radon. Most of the state radon laws are necessary, but still lacking. It would be great to see some of these states pass laws that also require property owners and sellers take action.
If you’d like to learn more about radon gas or how you can get in touch with a radon professional to have your home tested, feel free to visit the rest of our site!
Continuing on from our previous article on radon gas and real estate transactions, we’re going to take a look at several more questions that have cropped up.
Radon is what’s referred to as a “noble gas” which means it doesn’t react chemically with substances. In addition, it is relatively dense – despite being in gas form. The long and short is that this means no, plants cannot remove radon gas from the air.
Now, there are plants that can improve indoor air quality but that’s a different matter entirely.
Furthermore, if you have elevated radon inside your home you have a bigger problem. It means there’s an abundant source of thorium or uranium nearby – likely under the foundation of your home. Even if plants did help alleviate the concentration of radon, it wouldn’t matter because more would seep into your home.
The best thing to do if elevated radon is discovered is to have a mitigation system installed.
What’s the Deal with Radon Health Mines? Do They Really Cure Diseases?
No, they are nothing more than a placebo. There is absolutely no science to prove radon health mines can cure diseases, let alone that they are good for you.
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, second leading for everyone. And this generally includes the radon contained within homes.
The radon levels inside a health mine are much higher than the recommended levels as set by the EPA. Which means those who spend a significant amount of time inside these mines are damaging their bodies more.
Radon progenies emit alpha particles that cause severe tissue damage, which is how it causes lung cancer. These particles are inhaled and make it into the lungs where they stick to the inner lining. Even within your body, they continue to undergo radioactive decay turning cells cancerous.
What Geological Features Predispose an Area to Elevated Radon?
There are certain geographical areas that are more prone to elevated radon, but that doesn’t mean it can’t exist elsewhere. In the United States, instances of elevated radon gas have been reported in every state. Certain lands characteristics, such as Karst, require continuous testing because the underlying landforms dissolve over time and may change the levels of radon in your home.
Radon is emitted from uranium and thorium, which can reside in the soil and certain rocks underground. Because it is a dense gas, it seeps up from the ground and permeates surrounding areas on the surface. This is how it seeps into homes and collects in abundance.
High granite concentration can also contribute to elevated radon levels. There are some reports that limestone – found in states such as Florida – can be a contributing factor, as well. Sadly, there’s not enough evidence or proof to say for certain.
Is Radon the Only Dangerous Indoor Air Pollutant?
Radon is one of the most dangerous, yes, but it is not the only one. There are other pollutants such as ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, lead, and much more.
The list of potential pollutants is extensive and sadly, many of them are not rare. It’s likely your home is plagued by at least one of these pollutants to which you are being exposed this very moment.
What makes matters even worse is that there’s no universal test to get the expansive scope of pollutants. You need to test for each individual problem. For instance, radon testing will give you an idea of the average radon levels inside your home. But that’s it, the testing kits will not reveal other pollutants in the air.
How Do You Check a Home You’re Buying/Selling for Air Pollutants?
For the most part, you don’t have to worry about most of the issues. A decent home inspection will reveal anything wrong with the home in question. This includes mold, asbestos, lead, and more.
As for radon, you can conduct a simple short term test. You may also be able to request previous testing results from the seller – if they have tested the home before.
Do All Old Houses Have Problems? Is a Guarantee?
No. There are many factors that contribute to problems in a home.
Image of Lung Cancer by Yale Rosen
When trying to find asbestos or lead paint, for example, you factor in the year the home was built because developers change materials over time. The construction year may reveal whether or not builders at the time were using poor materials. It has nothing to do with the age of the house.
Mold and radon get worse as time goes on – so older homes will be more dangerous if affected – but these things do not happen simply because the home is old. Mold comes from moisture that has seeped into the home, and radon comes from a radioactive gas that enters the home through cracks in the foundation.
Just because the home you’re interested in is old, doesn’t necessarily mean you will encounter problems. The opposite is true of new homes. Just because a home is new doesn’t mean the home will be without them.
Also, levels vary from home to home even in the same neighborhood, or on the same street. Just because your next door neighbor tested their home and found elevated levels of radon, doesn’t mean you will. That’s why it’s always recommended that you test your home – or the home you’re buying – for the presence of these hazardous elements.
Radon tests are cheap, and you can conduct them yourself.
I’m Moving Into the Basement of a Home or Residence. What Should I Know?
Basements can be a great living space, especially if you have the money and time to model the space. Yet, because they are often cold and damp, and are at the lowest point of a home they are susceptible to several pollutants.
Image by Roberto Pani (Flickr)
You’ll want to test the space for the presence of radon. Because the gas often seeps into a home through cracks in the foundation, it is found in concentrated amounts in basements. If elevated radon is found, you’ll want to have a mitigation system installed to ventilate the space.
You might want to install a portable heater and/or humidifier to make the space more comfortable during certain seasons.
Finally, be sure you have a suitable exit from the house in the event of a fire or emergency. You don’t want to be trapped if something goes wrong.
What can you do about the deadly gas, radon if you are dealing with real estate? It’s a question that will plague home buyers and sellers alike. And thanks to the recent surge in the housing market, it’s even more relevant.
Many brush off the idea of a deadly, invisible and odorless gas. After all, it’s virtually undetectable so surely it doesn’t exist, right?
Wrong.
You see, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second-leading cause for everyone. It is responsible for claiming the lives of more than 21,000 Americans each year. That’s just in the US, other countries such as Canada, and the United Kingdom are also affected by this natural gas.
Even scarier, it’s possible to contract radon-induced lung cancer even if you’ve never smoked a day in your life.
What is it exactly? It’s a naturally occurring radioactive gas that seeps into homes through cracks in the foundation and walls. Once inside, it collects in greater amounts effectively turning the indoor air toxic.
To combat radon, one need only install a mitigation system that ventilates the indoor space. It removes the radon gas from inside the home, and expels it into the open air outside where it can safely disperse.
A common misconception is that you won’t be able to sell a home plagued by radon, or you can’t market a home that has a radon mitigation system installed. There’s another that claims removing radon from a home is a costly fix and you should walk away – it’s really not.
We scoured the web for common real estate questions about radon. In the interest of public health and safety, we will answer some of them.
Is the Seller Responsible for Dealing with Radon, Mold or Asbestos During a Home Sale?
This question is a tough one to answer, because it depends on the terms of the sale and the selling party. For example, sale terms are going to be different when buying from a private seller versus a bank.
*Image by Nicci Romanovsky
As for who’s legally responsible, it depends on the state where you are conducting the sale.
These problems should ABSOLUTELY be solved before anyone moves into – and begins living in – the home. As for who should pay for the work, that’s something you’ll need to work out during negotiations.
If you’re the buyer you can request that the seller cover the costs out of pocket, or vice versa.
While we can’t speak on the cost of removing mold or asbestos – because it depends how much is found – we can talk about the cost of radon mitigation. The price of installing a system is not as much as you’d expect. It can range from $1000 to $5000 in rare cases, but it’s almost always on the lower side of that range.
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, so $1-5K is a small price to pay to make your new home safe.
Will Home Buyers Be Deterred By a Radon Mitigation System?
It’s possible that some uneducated buyers may be nervous about a mitigation system, but they shouldn’t be.
Image by SWAT Environmental
Turning a home down because it has a radon mitigation system is like avoiding a home that had a new roof installed. Provided the work was completed by a professional, it seems silly to walk away.
Radon levels inside a home with a mitigation system are lower than the average level of homes without. In other words, the air quality in the home is much safer.
Plus, maintenance of a mitigation system is minimal at best and they often have a warranty.
Be sure to educate potential home buyers and there should be no issues. If it helps, explain the dangers of radon and why it’s good to have a home with a mitigation system in place. If they were to find elevated levels in another home they’d have to install a system anyway.
Only Old Houses are at Risk for Radon, Right?
Wrong.
*Image by Lisa (Flickr)
Older houses – especially those with a basement – are susceptible to radon, but they are not the only type of home at risk. New homes, apartments, condos, and even trailers can have high levels too.
Modern homes are built using radon-resistant materials and methods, but they can still be affected. This is why it is important that you have your home tested for radon gas, no matter where you live.
If you don’t want to hire a professional, you can always pick up a DIY test at your local hardware store or online. Just make sure you follow the directions closely so you don’t get false readings!
When Buying/Selling a Home, is Radon Testing Really Necessary?
Information required in the disclosure varies state by state, but usually it warns homeowners about the dangers of radon. It may also include any previous testing results or info about a mitigation system where applicable.
As for radon testing, it’s not required by law in an overwhelming majority of US states.
Radon testing is not expensive at all, and you can do it yourself pretty easily. So it all comes down to this question: Would you rather be safe than sorry? A home with elevated radon gas levels within is a toxic and unhealthy environment.
If your answer is yes, you’d rather be safe, then have your home tested.
If you’re a seller, consider how you would feel moving into a new home that turns out to be dangerous. It’s not a positive experience at all, so you should also consider testing your home before listing it on the market.
Should I Walk Away from a Purchase if Elevated Radon Levels are Discovered?
It can be a scary prospect knowing that you’re about to buy a home that may not even be safe to live in. But there’s no reason to panic or back out of a deal, at least not immediately.
If radon is discovered while negotiations are still ongoing, you can make a request to the seller to have a mitigation system installed. If you’re negotiating with a bank – or seller who is unwilling to compromise – it will fall to you to have a mitigation system put in.
In either case, don’t be afraid to research some local professionals and ask their opinion. Many radon contractors will provide a free on-site cost estimate after viewing the home in question.
Don’t let the discovery of elevated radon sour your deal, provided you have ample funds.
Again, you will want to fix the problem before you move into the home and begin living there. Just keep that in mind.
As a seller, this can be a frustrating experience especially when you just want to move on with your life. But consider the facts. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and it claims the lives of more than 21,000 each year.
Even if you think it’s a bunch of nonsense, do you really want to be responsible for harming a family? Any decent human being wouldn’t. That is why you should work out some a solution with the buyer in the event that elevated radon is discovered.
January is National Radon Action month as declared by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The idea behind it is to raise awareness about the deadly – and silent – killer radon gas. Many organizations encourage testing your home, office, or residence for the presence of radon gas and then taking action should the levels be found excessive.
While this is primary a national movement it should be noted that since Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas it can be a problem in any state, country, or territory. In other words, everyone – no matter where you live in the world – should take some time to test their residence. If you’ve already tested your residence then be sure to encourage friends, family, and colleagues to do so, as well.
Radon IS a serious issue. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers in many countries including the US, UK, Canada, and more. In the United States alone it is responsible for more than 21,000 deaths from radon-induced lung cancer. To put that into perspective, radon is deadlier than drunk driving – which is responsible for about 17,400 deaths per year – and drowning – which is responsible for about 3,900 deaths each year. If you want to see some more common accidents that radon is deadlier than take a look at our infographic on the subject.
It is odorless, colorless, and tasteless; hence why it is often called the invisible and silent killer. The only way to discover its presence in a residence or building is to conduct a test specifically for it. Luckily, testing kits are not expensive at all, and they’re not hard to acquire. You can buy them on many sites online – like Amazon – and you can often find them at a local hardware store near you.
If you’re not comfortable conducting the test yourself or would much rather have a professional opinion you can hire an experienced radon professional to conduct the exam for you.
There’s a lot more to learn about radon gas like acceptable levels, how to handle elevated levels and some other common sources for the gas. However, it’s always a good idea to have multiple sources of such information if only to check the credibility of the information you are learning.
While we do have an extensive listing of radon resources and related content here on our site, we thought it would be in everyone’s best interests if we listed several other places where you could find more information about the deadly gas. Not only will this serve as a great reference for radon-related resources, but it will also be a great guide to share with friends and family who you’d also like to educate about the problem.
Considering its National Radon Action month lets all pledge to raise awareness about the dangers of radon gas and take action wherever it may be needed!
The US Environmental Protection Agency’s Dedicated Radon Page
The United States Environmental Protection Agency is an agency or organization run by the federal government which is dedicated to protecting the health, quality of life, and environment of all within the country. They generally help enforce and create regulations – based on laws passed by congress – to help protect our health.
A lot of the statistics and facts we have collected here at Radon Resources have come from the US EPA website.
The National Radon Proficiency Program’s Database of Certified Professionals
Many states require professionals that offer radon testing and mitigation services to be nationally certified and registered. This ensures that they understand the requirements for protecting those they serve, but that they’ve also completed the necessary training to perform said work.
If you’re looking to contact a local professional that is certified to perform radon services in your area you can always pay a visit to the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP).
Don’t forget, we also have a National Radon Directory and our goal is to create an up-to-date, national database of radon information that is convenient to search.
The National Radon Program Services Site
If you’re looking for more basic information on radon gas and how you can protect yourself, the National Radon Program Services Site (SOS Radon) is a great place to visit. They have a ton of useful information and contact links you can use to find more about radon gas.
It’s also worth mentioning that this is the group that operates the US EPA’s 1-800-SOS-RADON hotline. When you call that number looking for more information you’ll be speaking to someone from the National Radon Program Services.
The Agency for HealthCare Research and Quality
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality website is maintained by the US Department of Health and Human Services. You’ll find a host of practical information on healthcare namely as it pertains to the party you are looking up; whether that be as a consumer, healthcare provider, insurer, policy maker or researcher.
The idea is to educate the general public on common healthcare issues and topics so that everyone can make their own informed decisions. Because this site is not dedicated to providing radon resources specifically, you’ll need to conduct a search for the appropriate materials.
It’s also a great site to find common medical and healthcare information including important research data and official study findings.
Cancer Survivors Against Radon
If you’ve read about radon gas at all lately, you’ve likely heard all about the mysterious numbers – the 21,000 lives claimed every year due to radon-induced lung cancer, or one of the many others who have contracted a pulmonary illness from the gas. Rarely, have you heard from survivors directly.
This site is dedicated to sharing the stories of those who have been affected by lung cancer and have discovered elevated levels of radon gas in their homes after the fact. Many of them have never smoked a day in their life and were confused as to why they suffered from lung cancer.
It shows that radon-related deaths are not just a statistic, they really happen.
The National Cancer Institute Website
The National Cancer Institute website run by the National Institutes of Health has a variety of radon-related resources and information. Why is this so important? It’s a national institute that dedicates their resources to the research and prevention of cancer.
The Official Iowa Radon Lung Cancer Study
This recently published paper assesses and explains how radon exposure is related to the contraction of lung cancer. The lead author is R. William Field, who has a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa.
Many people ask for proof that radon exposure causes radon gas. This paper discusses the correlation between higher exposure levels and lung cancer.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Radon Page
Many northwestern states are known for having elevated levels of radon gas, including Idaho. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has set up a dedicated radon page for residents where they can look up more information about the problem and how to combat it.
Most importantly, Idaho residents – and those looking for more information – can reach out to agency contacts for help in finding local testing kits and more. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare also monitors an official hotline for Indoor Environment info which you can reach at 1-800-445-8647.
The National Radon Action Plan via the US EPA’s Website
In November 2015, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Health and Human Services, and nine additional national non-governmental organizations collaborated to launch the National Radon Action Plan.
The goal is to reduce the risk of radon gas in many locations across the country including homes, schools, daycare facilities, new construction projects, and federal buildings.
National Radon Action Month Poster Contest Winners
According to the National Radon Leaders, the National Radon Action Month poster contest is:
“As part of National Radon Action Month, the American Lung Association and Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors have partnered, with support from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, to announce the winners of the 2016 National Radon Poster Contest.
The contest is held each year across the nation to raise awareness of radon gas. Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless, tasteless, radioactive gas formed by the breakdown of uranium in the soil and is found in every state. Radon can enter a home through cracks and other openings in the home and can build up to dangerous levels.
“Radon causes 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year. These deaths can be reduced, and as a nation there is an urgent need to take steps to save lives,” said Harold P. Wimmer, National President, and CEO of the American Lung Association. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers and is only detectable by performing a home test. Children ages 9-14 were eligible to participate in the contest to promote radon awareness.”
Naturally, on their site, ,they announced the poster contest winners who created the best graphics related to radon gas. The ultimate goal is to raise awareness about the deadly gas.
Updater’s Real Estate Agents and Radon Guide
One of the most common misconceptions about radon is that it’s much too expensive to deal with, especially when it comes to real estate sales or deals. For that reason, there are a lot of realtors that try to avoid discussing radon, or any radon mitigation products on a property their selling, despite the dangers. Some states require a radon disclosure message in a real estate transaction, but it doesn’t necessarily require information about the history of radon for the property being sold.
Radon testing is cheap and can be conducted by pretty much anyone, and the testing materials are always accessible. Radon mitigation is not as costly as it may seem, especially when compared to the costs of lung cancer or getting a pulmonary illness from exposure to radon.
It’s good to get educated about the problem, even more so when you’re involved in the sale of various properties and buildings.
Carex Canada Carcinogen List
Radon isn’t the only deadly and hazardous agent you need to be wary of. Carex Canada has compiled a comprehensive list filled with over 70 carcinogenic agents. Just in case you’re not aware what a carcinogen is; they are materials or resources that can cause cancer after prolonged exposure. The risk level varies depending on the substance in question.
To see just how prevalent and deadly the silent, odorless and tasteless gas really is, scientists are studying it in the city of Calgary. More specifically, researchers are mapping homes that have shown positive for higher levels of radon gas. Interestingly enough, the concern is that Canada has a much higher action limit than the neighboring US.
Aaron Goodarzi, an assistant professor at U of C’s Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute who is heading up the research project, believes that Canada is at risk too.
“In Canada, we have a higher limit on what’s acceptable,” says Goodarzi. “I guess Health Canada feels Canadians have a higher tolerance for radon gas.”
Canada is no stranger to dangerous radon levels, however.
“The highest level we’ve seen was 4,300 in B.C. In Calgary, it was 4,000. They had poured concrete for the basement but not under the furnace so it was sucking air in from under the house. It was basically a radon distribution system.”
Dangerous indeed. Keep an eye on the results and data collected from this study. It will play an important role in the fight against Radon in Canada.
Radon: Eddie’s Story
Eddie is a lung cancer survivor who was exposed to radon gas. Hear his story in this informative video.
Radon Remediation (Mitigation) Tax Credit for Canadians
Several organizations are pushing for Canadian residents and businesses to receive a federal tax credit for having radon mitigation work done – which is also known as remediation. You can find out more information about the tax credit here; there’s also information on testing your home and finding a professional mitigator in Canada.
Kentucky Tobacco Policy Research Program
You’ll find a variety of materials on the Kentucky Tobacco Policy website that attests to the dangers associated with smoking and radon gas. If you didn’t already know, smokers who are exposed to radon gas are at an even higher risk of contracting lung cancer than those who don’t smoke.
Simply put, if you’re a smoker then do your best to quit, especially if you make a habit of smoking indoors. In addition, have your home tested for the presence of radon gas and take action by installing a mitigation system if the levels are high.
University of Georgia College of Family and Consumer Sciences Radon Hub
If you’re looking for more information on radon gas, mitigation, or how it affects your health this is another great place to learn. There are a variety of resources available, including info from the Georgia Radon Symposium which offers data about local radon professionals.
Utah Health Indicator Report of Radon
The information provided by the Health Indicator report is specific to Utah residents and counties in the state, but it is a great indicator of how prevalent radon is in the US. This page displays the average test results for each country in the state including a graph that goes as far back as 1990. If you live in Utah and you’re curious which areas of the state see higher levels of radon gas, this is the place to go.
Keep Checking Back for More Radon Resources!
We’ll be updating this post throughout the month of January as we discover more resources that are worth sharing with you! Please keep checking back here for an updated list of important sources!
Remember to share this guide – and your knowledge of radon gas – with as many people as possible including friends and family. Together we can save lives by preventing unnecessary exposure to radon gas!
Why would anyone need to hire a radon professional or mitigation contractor?
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and many other countries including Canada and the UK. In the US alone, it is responsible for the deaths of more than 21,000 each year.
The biggest issue is that radon awareness is relatively low. Few people know it exists, and those that do often try to discredit the fact that it’s a detriment to public health.
Radon gas is odorless, colorless and tasteless which means it’s virtually undetectable. It makes sense why people would be quick to ignore it.
At low concentrations and when exposed in short bursts, there are no known side effects or symptoms. However, with a longer period of exposure those subjected to the deadly gas may develop lung cancer and any number of additional pulmonary ailments. Radon gas has been linked to chronic asthma, heart disease, cancer of the lungs and other areas of the body, respiratory infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis and more.
The saddest part about all of this is that it’s pretty easy to eliminate and remove from your home.
All you need to do is conduct annual tests for the gas, and take action if elevated levels are discovered.
Testing for Radon Gas
You can purchase a DIY radon testing kit at your local hardware store or online. If you don’t want to do it yourself, you can hire a professional radon contractor to come and take a look at your home. Most of them will offer a free consultation which includes a short-term test.
Just so you can judge the average cost, tests range from about $10 to $25 depending on where you purchase them and what kind of equipment is used. Most of them require you to place collection vials in your home for a period of time, which can be used to determine your indoor air quality.
If you conduct the test yourself, you’ll need to send the samples to a remote lab for testing via mail. The lab will perform the necessary measurements and mail the results back, or post them online if that’s an option for the particular test you purchased.
Radon Gas Mitigation
If or when elevated radon levels are discovered you’ll need to hire a licensed professional to install a mitigation system.
Image by SWAT Environmental
A mitigation system is a unique air ventilation system — usually with an electronic fan — that will remove the concentrated radon gas from your home. It does this by ventilating the gas into the open air outside, where it can disperse more evenly instead of being trapped.
The mitigation system that’s needed will depend on the layout and structure of your house. To read information about some of the more common forms of mitigation, head on over to our guide on the topic.
When hiring a professional, you’ll want to ensure they have been certified by looking for their name or business on the National Certified list (NEHA/NRSB). Don’t just take their word for it either make sure you actually see physical proof of such. Certified contractors have been to school which means they’ve passed tests on radon mitigation. In order to keep their certification, they must continue to take classes on the material. If you allow a non-certified contractor to install a system there’s a chance they could end up doing more harm than good. If a system is not up to EPA standards in some states it’s even possible that homeowners will have to pay additional costs to get it up to par.
Some additional things to look for when hiring a radon professional include:
~ Ask contractors to provide you with a copy of their Liability and Workers Compensation insurance certificate. If they do not have insurance or workers comp then you will be at a very great financial risk should any of those who are employed become injured on your property.
~ Make sure the mitigation system and included fans – where applicable – are guaranteed and covered under a warranty. If the system does not work properly after install, the contractors will return to ensure it is fixed at no cost to you. If the fans and related components malfunction, you will need to have them replaced. A guarantee will protect you in the event something isn’t working properly with the system and a warranty will protect any of the necessary components should they break or malfunction.
~ Ask for previous work references and recommendations. If the contractor cannot give them seek them out yourself. If there are no previous records of the contractor’s work then tread lightly. Another way to check on their work ethic is to ask for a couple addresses where the contractors previously did work. You can visit said addresses during an appropriate hour and speak to the residents.
~ Make sure the contractor is or is working directly with a licensed electrician. In certain states, it is actually illegal to perform electrical work without the proper credentials.
How Do You Find a Radon Professional?
Tracking down a trusted or certified radon contractor can seem daunting. The steps required are actually pretty simple once you know what to do.
First, you should visit the Department of Health website for the state you currently reside in. From there you can find information regarding indoor air quality, or more specifically radon.
The reason you should navigate to the Department of Health website is because they compile a list of every qualified radon professional that is authorized to perform mitigation and measurement work in the state. Most states require companies to register with the DOH otherwise they risk losing their certification.
You can use the DOH lists as a reference to track down a few certified radon mitigation specialists in your area. Generally, the aforementioned lists include all of the information you will need to get in touch, such as the service area, business name, address and telephone number. Such lists also include up-to-date expiration information for each contractor’s certification.
There may or may not be out of state contractors that also provide services in your particular state. If that is the case their contact information will be listed on the department of health DOH registry along with all of the other qualified contractors in your state.
Visit our National Radon Directory for more local information on radon gas and professionals in your area. You can also request a free quote from a local radon professional if you know you need one.
What to Expect from a Radon Professional You Hire
It is common practice for contractors to look at your residence and provide you with a free on-site and firm cost estimate. During that time you should also be able to view pictures of previous work the contractor has done and ask any questions you may have about the job.
image by Wikimedia
The individual or company involved should offer you a definitive plan for the project up front. Before any work begins you must comb through the contract to ensure you, your home and the pending mitigation system are protected from anything shady.
At no time should the contractor become irate or give you a difficult time if you need an explanation on various portions of the contract. Pay close attention to the installation guarantee and any warranties covering hardware components or fans for your mitigation system.
Once a contract has been drawn up, the contractor should begin performing diagnostic tests in your home. This allows the specialist to detect many elements in regards to the radon levels in your home. With a diagnostic test they will be able to gauge air flow, patterns and more.
After the installation, the contractor will need to monitor the system to ensure it is working properly. If the system does not lower the radon levels in your home – and sometimes this can happen – they must take the proper measures to remedy the problem. In some cases this would mean installing a second system, or tweaking the original one. It is the contractor’s duty to choose the proper mitigation system for your home, so it should be their responsibility if the one installed does not work properly.
A contractor should never perform the final level tests on your home. They should work with you to hire or contact an outside testing professional. The extra tests will provide the necessary proof that the mitigation system is working as it should. To be quite honest, an added test should also protect the contractor should things go wrong with the system – if it was working at one point.
Will a Radon Contractor Test the Levels In Your Home?
A radon contractor can and will test radon levels in your home and this is perfectly acceptable, however there are some instances where you might want an outside source to check their accuracy. For example after a radon mitigation system has been installed in a home it’s a good idea to have a third party test the levels to cover both you and the contractor should something go wrong in the future, or should the levels change.
Before you decide to install a radon mitigation system you may also use a radon contractor to test the levels in your home. In fact, we recommend you do so that way they can offer you suggestions for potential mitigation systems. You can also perform the test yourself if you are so inclined.
Radon gas may be a danger to you and your family, but what is it?
Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is odorless, tasteless and invisible. Your home, school or place of work may be filled with concentrated amounts, yet you’d never know.
Radon gas is actually a decay product of common elements such as Uranium, which can be found in the soil and rock beneath our feet. It can also be found in water though usually in less concentrated amounts.
The radon gas seeps up from the surface and into surrounding areas. It can collect inside a home after getting in through cracks in the foundation, walls or flooring.
Long-term exposure to the gas is dangerous, and can cause many pulmonary ailments — the worst of which is lung cancer. It is estimated that there are more than 21,000 radon-induced lung cancer deaths in the US alone each year.
It is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in everyone and the leading cause in non-smokers.
Some scientific studies have shown that children are much more sensitive to radon exposure, especially at high levels. This is because they see higher respiratory rates and instances of dividing cells naturally as they grow.
Radon daughters — or particles — can enter the lungs where they cling to the inner linings and walls. Once there, they continue to undergo radioactive decay causing damage to nearby cells.
The most unfortunate thing about those 21,000 deaths, each year is that they are preventable. Knowing radon is a threat and having your residence tested for its presence can keep you healthy. If elevated levels are discovered, mitigation can ventilate the gas making the air in your home safe again.
Awareness is the issue here, as most people don’t have a clue radon is even a problem and those that do refuse to believe it can cause serious health issues.
Radon Is Deadlier Than…
Comparing the annual death rate — of 21,000 per year — to that of other common accidents we can see just how deadly the gas really is.
Drunk driving kills 17,400 per year
Falls in the home kill 8,000 per year
Drowning is responsible for 3,900 deaths per year
Home Fires kill 2,800 per year
As you can see, even drunk driving — which is still a huge problem — pales in comparison to radon related deaths. That alone should be enough to get you concerned about the problem.
It’s not a problem that’s confined just to your home either. Radon can collect inside any building including your place of work, schools, hospitals, public centers and more. The air in your home may be perfectly safe but your children may be exposed to the deadly gas when they go to school, and you when you go to work.
It’s a common misconception that Radon is only a problem up north, or in houses that have basements, but that’s not true at all. Radon can be a problem anywhere since it’s a naturally occurring gas. Even if your neighbor’s home is safe you may still have a problem in your own and vice versa.
There are certain geographical areas that are more prone to elevated radon, but that doesn’t mean it can’t exist elsewhere. In the United States, instances of elevated radon gas have been reported in every state. Certain lands characteristics, such as Karst, require continuous testing because the underlying landforms dissolve over time and may change the levels of radon in your home.
Since radon is odorless, colorless and tasteless, the only way to discover its presence is to test specifically for it.
Test Your Home for Radon Gas Today, and Then Help Spread Awareness
Every single homeowner or resident should have their home tested for radon gas. If you’re a renter, encourage your landlord to test the residence. If you own your home, then pay a visit to your local hardware retailer and pick up a DIY radon testing kit — you can also find them online. If you don’t want to bother with it, then contact a local radon professional and have them come check out your home — make sure they are certified though!
Once you’ve tested your home and know the radon gas levels — and have taken action if necessary — then it’s time to share your experience with others. Don’t just focus on keeping yourself and your family’s health in the clear, inform your friends, extended family and even colleagues about the dangers of radon gas. The more people that know about this silent killer and its many associated dangers the better.
Our main goal here is to reduce that large 21,000 number of people dying from radon-induced lung cancer every year especially since it can be prevented. It’s even worse when you consider the general costs with treating lung cancer, as opposed to the cost of a radon gas testing kit or mitigation system.
Radon Gas Causes Lung Cancer, So What?
Image by Yale Rosen
Similar to how smokers share a sentiment that cancer will never happen to them, despite the fact that they’re smoking a full pack of cigarettes — or more — per day, many people believe that they won’t ever get lung cancer from exposure to radon gas. In reality, because exposure increases the risk there is a chance that you may never get it, that’s absolutely right. However, there’s also a chance that you may get it by spending just an hour in a home with elevated levels — and it doesn’t even have to be your own home!
Lung cancer has one of the highest mortality rates of any form of cancer. This is because a majority of treatments are ineffective yes, but it’s also because of the nature of the disease. As with most forms of cancer, if you catch it early by all rights you should be okay. The problem is, by the time patients begin to show symptoms, the disease has usually progressed well beyond a curable state. That means, by the time a doctor diagnoses someone more often than not it’s too late. The best option then is to try and prevent it entirely by avoiding some of the more prominent causes. Being that radon gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer for smokers and non-smokers the world over, you’ll want to avoid being exposed to the deadly gas.
Radon Gas Can and Will Kill You, Don’t Wait to Test
Test your home today. Don’t wait. Encourage management to test your work for radon gas, encourage your friends and family to test their home, or encourage everyone you meet in public to test their home. Radon gas can and will kill you slowly, so if it’s collecting in your home you need to get it out. The only way you can do that, is by testing your home and finding out whether or not it’s a problem. The whole concept is real simple. Don’t spend time in denial believing that it won’t ever happen to you or your family. It may already be happening. You may be exposed to this silent killer every day and night you spend in your house.
Test as soon as possible, take action and then spread the word!
What is radon gas? Where does it come from? How do you test for it?
These are all questions that you’ll find answered here at Radon Resources. We have a ton of useful guides on our site that will help you get familiar with the silent killer – radon gas. However, a lot of that information is spaced throughout several pages, blog posts and lists.
We thought it would be a great idea to compile a more comprehensive FAQ, that addresses some of the most common questions about radon that people have.
If you have a couple specific questions, chances are we’ll cover them here.
8 Frequently Asked Questions About Radon Gas
1. Is Radon Dangerous?
According to the US EPA, there are more than 21,000 deaths due to radon-induced lung cancer every year.
Worse yet, radon has been designated a known carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) which comprises several government agencies including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, and the leading cause in non-smokers.
Several studies have linked long-term exposure to radon gas to other non-cancerous respiratory diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis.
2. What Is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It is odorless, colorless and tasteless which is just another way of saying it’s invisible and virtually undetectable.
It is formed when several natural elements under-go radioactive decay. These elements – such as Uranium – are commonly found in the soil and rock beneath our feet, under the surface.
The gas seeps up from the surface and collects in concentrated amounts, often inside homes and buildings. It can enter through cracks in the foundation walls and flooring. It can also dissolve in water beneath the ground’s surface.
When radon undergoes radioactive decay, it releases ionizing radiation particles often referred to as alpha particles. Other decay products are also generated — called progeny or daughters. The progeny are small and are not in the form of gas, so they attach to dust and other particles of comparable size. The contaminated particles can be transported through the air, often inhaled by those exposed. These particles can attach to the walls and lining of the lungs, where they continue to experience radioactive decay.
When radon collects in concentrated amounts it is measured in picocuries per liter ( pCi/L) in the US, or becquerels (Bq) internationally. The only way to detect its presence is to test for it specifically. Even when radon is present inside a residence or structure at dangerously high levels, no one would be the wiser without conducting the appropriate test.
pCi/l or pico curies per liter, is the domestic method of measuring radon levels. A pico curie is 0.000,000,000,001 (one-trillionth) of a Curie, the international measurement unit of radioactivity.
To translate: one pCi/l means, in one liter of air there are 2.2 radioactive disintegrations every minute. At 4 pCi/l there are approximately 12,672 radioactive disintegrations in one liter of air, during a full 24-hour period.
Bq or becquerels is the international method of measuring radiation.
Countries like Canada and the UK use this form of measurement for the deadly gas. In those countries, the action level ranges from 150 Bq m3 — slightly less than 4 pCi/l — to no set limit. For instance, in Canada the suggested action level is 200 Bq m3. Other countries don’t even have a recommended action level designated.
3. What Is Considered a Safe Level of Radon?
Technically, there is no “safe” level of radon. However, a certain amount of radon will always exist in the open air — even outside.
Depending on your geographic location, the radon levels of the air outside your home may be as high as 0.75 pCi/L. The national average of outside radon levels is 0.4 pCi/L.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the “action level” – which is the limit at which you need to take action to remove the radon from your home, school, or work place – at 4 pCi/l. In other words, if a test is conducted and the radon levels exceed that amount you absolutely need to install a mitigation system.
However, we recommend exploring mitigation options if the radon levels in your home exceed 2.0 pCi/L.
4. What Do You Do When You Discover Elevated Radon Levels In Your Home?
If you perform a single test and find high levels of radon, you’ll want to conduct a second one to be sure. We recommend conducting a short term test first and then moving on to a long term test; only after you discover elevated levels during the first one. A long term test will provide a more accurate average reading of the radon levels in your home.
Image by SWAT Environmental
Once you’re sure there are elevated levels of radon gas in your home it’s time to hire an experienced professional. They will install a radon mitigation system. This sounds more complicated than it is.
If deemed necessary, a certified professional will remove the radon gas from your home by installing a simple ventilation system at the lowest livable level.
The cost of hiring a contractor can range from about $1,000 to $2,500 depending on the size of your residence and what services they provide. You can purchase a DIY radon testing kit at your local hardware store or online, for about $15 to $30.
5. Where are the Best Places to Buy Radon Testing Kits?
While we do not endorse — and are not affiliated with — any testing equipment providers we have compiled a list of the best places to purchase DIY kits. If you’d much rather hire a professional to do the testing for you, take a look at our National Radon Directory instead.
6. How Do You Test Your Home for Radon Gas?
Most DIY testing kits come with thorough instructions, however we do have a guide on testing here.
7. How Likely Is It That I Will Get Cancer from Radon Gas Exposure?
Radon has been linked to 21,000 deaths a year and it’s the second leading cause of lung cancer. That doesn’t necessarily mean exposure is going to give you health problems right away. Most studies have shown that long-term exposure is the real danger.
If you’d like to see studies that explore the dangers of radon along with a list of government agencies that endorse the fact that it’s a health hazard, see this guide.
8. Where Is Radon Found the Most?
Believe it or not, Radon can be found anywhere in the world. In the US, that includes all 50 states.
That said, it is more prevalent in certain areas of the country depending on the geography and composition of the land. The map shown will provide you an idea of where radon gas is more commonly found.
Where Can You Find More Information for Questions About Radon Gas?
We’re not the only place that answer questions about radon gas and its associated dangers. There are lots of agencies and websites where you can read more.
In nearly every article we’ve published here at Radon Resources we have recommended that homeowners test their homes for the presence of radon gas, as soon as possible.
Photo by WPB Radon
We have explained that you can purchase DYI radon testing kits at your local hardware store and online. We’ve also explained that you can hire experienced radon professionals to do the testing for you.
What we haven’t done, is explicitly list some placeswhere you can buy radon testing kits. We do maintain a guide that compares testing methods, and we also have a dedicated section specifically on testing for radon gas, but that’s it.
That’s about to change. To help, we’re going to take a look at some places online where you can buy radon testing kits and equipment.
Before we dive in, be sure you understand how to use the testing equipment first, and that you always follow the appropriate guidelines when testing your home.
Where to Buy Radon Testing Equipment for Your Home?
If you don’t want to purchase radon testing kits or equipment online, you can always pay a visit to your local hardware store. Places like Lowes, Home Depot, Ace Hardware and many more home improvement retailers carry DIY kits.
That said, you can often find testing equipment cheaper online.
1. Amazon
Obviously, you can head over to Amazon yourself and do a quick search for radon testing kits. There are dozens — if not hundreds — of different options on the market.
As we have recommended in the past, it’s a good idea to start with a short term test, and if that shows elevated levels of radon gas in your home you can move on to a long term test — which will provide a more accurate reading of the average levels in your home.
Because of that, we recommend starting with the First Alert RD1 Radon Gas testing kit. Again, it is a short term test, that is charcoal activated. To use it, you employ the included equipment to collect samples of the air inside your home, seal the containers up after 2-3 days and then mail it to a remote lab. The laboratory will test the samples and send your results back.
While a bit more pricey, Radata offers packages with multiple testing kits inside. Of particular note, is the fact that once you’re done conducting a test they will be sent to an experienced and knowledgable lab for analyzation — Radata has been in business for over 25 years now.
The 2-pack is good because we always recommend conducting two short term tests in your home. Not to mention, you’re supposed to test the lowest livable area. If you spend time on multiple floors, it might be a good idea to have all of them tested, although that’s certainly not required.
3. Inspect USA
If you’re looking for cheaper radon testing kits, yet still want something that’s EPA certified — which all of the other options on this list are — then you can head on over to Inspect USA.
For $11, you can get an air test vial that includes lab fees. Often, you have to mail the test samples to a remote lab along with a processing fee, in this case it’s included in the initial purchase price.
It’s also worth noting that Inspect USA carries a number of other radon-related products, such as an active monitor. Something like that is hardly necessary, unless you discover elevated radon is a problem inside your home.
Should you find the need to conduct a long term radon test in your home, Inspect USA carries those, as well.
4. Air Chek
Another great place to purchase a DIY radon testing kit online is through Air Chek. They offer a single short term kit for $14.95 or a three-pack for $36.00.
Air Chek’s kit is one of the most prominent on this list, and has been used — what the company claims — as many as “4,000,000 times in homes worldwide, in over 300,000 of the nation’s schoolrooms, and in thousands of workplaces!”
Once you’ve collected the necessary air samples, you can mail them to Air Chek’s remote lab for free. Test results are offered online via secure account access, or you can request a full written report.
The downside is that this purchase option (the one linked anyway) is only available to residents of the US and any US territories. You may be able to find Air Chek testing equipment sold at various third parties across the world.
5. American Lung Association
The American Lung Association offers a radon testing kit and information packet for $12. You can either order the kit online or call their national hotline.
The testing kits aren’t their own, the Lung Association outsources from a third party, so we can’t comment on what testing kit you’ll receive when you order. That said, it is another option especially if you’re looking for something that’s not too expensive.
6. Contact Your Local Health Department
This option will largely depend on the state you live in as not all state health departments have a radon division or a radon program. If you don’t like any of the options above, you can always contact or visit the website of your local health department. Many of them host an active radon program and can provide additional information on testing or local professionals in your area.
Sometimes, if you’re lucky, they’ll even offer free testing kits.
If You Don’t Want to Conduct the Test Yourself, Contact a Local Professional
Image by SWAT Environmental
Purchasing a DIY testing kit and doing everything yourself isn’t your only option. You can contact a local professional to test your home for you. Many times they will offer a free consultation, which includes testing the levels in your home, whereupon they’ll tell you how to proceed.
If elevated levels are discovered in your home — through a DIY test or otherwise — you’ll need to explore mitigation which requires the installation of a special ventilation system.
If and when you conduct a test be sure to leave all doors and windows to your home closed at all times and place the testing vials appropriately. The same holds true if you hire an experienced professional to come in and do the test for you.
A new report from researchers at John Hopkins university lends credence to legislation being pushed by assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal and senator Diane Savino in New York. Their proposal mandates that all natural gas being sold in the state cannot exceed safe radon levels.
More recently, the prevalence of radon gas has come under the public eye in all forms, including those not generally considered — such as through natural gas reserves.
Since radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas, the most common way it enters a home is through cracks in the foundation, walls and flooring. The gas is released when common elements in soil and rock — such as Uranium — under the surface, undergo radioactive decay. The dense gas can seep into homes and structures, collecting in highly concentrated amounts.
What Effect Does Elevated Radon Gas Have on Our Health?
It is responsible for the deaths of more than 21,000 each year, all of whom were affected by radon-induced lung cancer.
Radon gas is a bigger issue than most would like to admit. Many even grow irate when they hear that it’s a potential problem. People are quick to dismiss the idea of an invisible and deadly gas, regardless of warnings and years of research into the matter.
A long list of major health organizations warn that reducing exposure to radon gas is imperative to one’s health. Some of those organizations include:
What Did the John Hopkins Team Find During Their Study of Elevated Radon Gas?
The John Hopkins team, led by Joan A. Casey, reports that radon levels have increased in the state of Pennsylvania ever since hydraulic fracturing of natural gas (or fracking) has begun under the surface.
According to the team, they found “a statistically significant association between proximity to unconventional natural gas wells drilled in the Marcellus shale and first floor radon concentration in the summer,” which suggests “a pathway through outdoor ambient air.”
The point here is that unconventional methods for collecting natural gas — such as fracking — may increase exposure to radon gas. These concerns apply to both horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. Please keep in mind, this is not an exact science.
Further studies must be conducted to discern why the abundance of shale wells might have contributed to elevated radon gas levels in the state of Pennsylvania. Furthermore, future studies will need to be conducted to understand how to control such exposure to the deadly gas.
So, by now you’re probably asking how this news is relevant to New York? Many residents of the state use natural gas in their homes for cooking or to produce heat. Little do they know, they might be inviting the invisible gas inside their homes. In reality, this issue relates to anyone who uses natural gas in their home — no matter where they reside.
The proposed New York senate bills A778-2015/S3414-2015 are designed to prevent a higher death count due to the increased exposure to radon and other technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials (TENORM).
The bills may — or may not — pass, but that’s not what we’re getting at here. We’re glad to finally see legislation making the rounds that weighs-in on the dangers of elevated radon gas. Hopefully, more proposals will soon follow that help protect us from the dangers of this invisible killer.
Should You Test Your Home for the Presence of Elevated Radon Gas?
In the meantime, we recommend that all homeowners and renters have their residence tested for elevated radon gas.
According to Mark Hudson, an expert in the field of oil and gas, “testing for radon is quick, inexpensive – and, given the potential volatility of the discussion, invaluable.”
We definitely agree with Hudson.
You can pick up a DIY radon testing kit at any local hardware store or online for relatively cheap – $10 -$20. If you don’t feel like testing your home yourself, you can hire an experienced professional or certified radon contractor to do it for you. If elevated radon gas is discovered in your home, you’ll need to look into radon mitigation.
We recommend testing twice a year, and the best times to do that are winter and summer months. This is primarily because during that time you’re less likely to open windows and doors to the outside — you need to minimize air flow at all times while testing. You can find more information about radon testing here.
If you do discover elevated radon gas levels in your home, there’s no need to panic. They can be reduced through mitigation and monitored with further testing. Radon gas actually does more damage to your health over an extended period of time. Long-term exposure is what you need to be most concerned with. Naturally, that means the faster you have your home tested and take action — if need be — the faster you can secure your family’s health.
After all, radon is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. The fact it’s invisible to the naked eye and undetectable – without a proprietary test – means most people would overlook it.
Now, there are plants that can improve indoor air quality but that’s a different matter entirely.
Just so you can judge the average cost, tests range from about $10 to $25 depending on where you purchase them and what kind of equipment is used. Most of them require you to place collection vials in your home for a period of time, which can be used to determine your indoor air quality.
While a bit more pricey, Radata offers packages with multiple testing kits inside. Of particular note, is the fact that once you’re done conducting a test they will be sent to an experienced and knowledgable lab for analyzation — Radata has been in business for over 25 years now.
It is responsible for the deaths of more than 21,000 each year, all of whom were affected by radon-induced lung cancer.
The point here is that unconventional methods for collecting natural gas — such as fracking — may increase exposure to radon gas. These concerns apply to both horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. Please keep in mind, this is not an exact science.