Radon Information
Resources:
 Radon
is a carcinogenic gas that is hazardous to inhale. Build-up
of radon in homes is a health concern and many lung cancer
cases are attributed to radon exposure each year. About 12%
of lung cancers and more than 20,000 Americans die of radon-related
lung cancer each year. The Surgeon General of the United States
has issued a Health Advisory warning Americans about the health
risk from exposure to radon in indoor air. Dr. Carmona, the
Nation's Chief Physician urged Americans to test their
homes to find out how much radon they might be breathing.
He also stressed the need to remedy the problem as soon as
possible.
You cannot see, smell, or taste radon. But it still may be
a problem in your home. When you breathe air containing radon,
you increase your risk of getting lung cancer. In fact, the
Surgeon General of the United States has warned that radon
is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States
today. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels,
your risk of lung cancer is especially high.
Testing is the only way to find out your home's radon
levels. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing
all homes below the third floor for radon. If you find that
you have high radon levels, there are ways to fix a radon
problem. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable
levels. Radon has been found in homes all over the United
States. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in
soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon
typically moves up through the ground to the air above and
into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation.
Radon can also enter your home through well water. Your home
can trap radon inside.
Any home can have a radon problem. This means new and old
homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without
basements. In fact, you and your family are most likely to
get your greatest radiation exposure at home. That is where
you spend most of your time. Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes
in the United States is estimated to have an elevated radon
level. Elevated levels of radon gas have been found in homes
in your state.
EPA's Radon Testing Check List:
- Notify the occupants of the importance of proper testing
conditions. Give the occupants written instructions or a
copy of this Guide and explain the directions carefully.
- Conduct the radon test for a minimum of 48 hours; some
test devices have a minimum exposure time greater than 48
hours.
- When doing a short-term test ranging from 2-4 days, it
is important to maintain closed-house conditions for at
least 12 hours before the beginning of the test and during
the entire test period.
- When doing a short-term test ranging from 4-7 days, EPA
recommends that closed-house conditions be maintained.
- If you hire someone to do the test, hire only a qualified
individual. Some states issue photo identification (ID)
cards; ask to see it. The tester's ID number, if available,
should be included or noted in the test report.
- The test should include method(s) to prevent or detect
interference with testing conditions or with the testing
device itself.
- If the house has an active radon-reduction system, make
sure the vent fan is operating properly. If the fan is not
operating properly, have it (or ask to have it) repaired
and then test.
If your home has not yet been tested for Radon have a test
taken as soon as possible. If you can, test your home before
putting it on the market. You should test in the lowest level
of the home which is suitable for occupancy. This means testing
in the lowest level that you currently live in or a lower
level not currently used, but which a buyer could use for
living space without renovations.
The radon test result is important information about your
home's radon level. Some states require radon measurement
testers to follow a specific testing protocol. If you do the
test yourself, you should carefully follow the testing protocol
for your area or EPA's Radon Testing Checklist. If you hire
a contractor to test your residence, protect yourself by hiring
a qualified individual or company.
Many states require radon professionals to be licensed, certified,
or registered. Most states can provide you with a list of
knowledgeable radon service providers doing business in the
state. In states that don't regulate radon services, ask
the contractor if they hold a professional proficiency or
certification credential. Such programs usually provide
members with a photo-ID card, which indicates their qualification(s)
and its expiration date. If in doubt, you should check with
their credentialing organization. Alternatively, ask the
contractor if they've successfully completed formal training
appropriate for testing or mitigation, e.g., a course in radon
measurement or radon mitigation.
If you are thinking of selling your home and you have already
tested your home for radon, review the Radon Testing Checklist
to make sure that the test was done correctly. If so,
provide your test results to the buyer.
No matter what kind of test you took, a potential buyer may
ask for a new test especially if:
- The Radon Testing Checklist items were not met;
- The last test is not recent, e.g., within two years;
- You have renovated or altered your home since you tested;
or
- The buyer plans to live in a lower level of the house
than was tested, such as a basement suitable for occupancy
but not currently lived in.
A buyer may also ask for a new test if your state or local
government requires disclosure of radon information to buyers.
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