jan 06 
Question by Steve Kerr
Send this post to a friendI recently tested my house for Radon Gas and the result was 13.3pCi/L.Idaho recommends that some action be taken to lessen radon concentration if reading is over 4pCi/l. What is your opinion on this and do you have a particular recommendation on how best to alleviate this problem?Thanks, Steve
Comments (1) |  |
1. 01/09/2008 11:22:59 AM
You were very wise to test your home for radon! Radon gas is surprisingly dangerous stuff, and yet most people don't think about it because it has no smell, and it's naturally-occurring (it comes from certain types of rock formations underground). Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second largest cause of lung cancer overall. So it's really important for people to test their houses and to address the problem if it exists. The EPA recommends homeowners take steps to reduce radon levels if they are over 2-4 pCi/L. If you live in a part of the country where you keep your windows closed a lot, I'd suggest acting on any radon levels over 2 pCi/L.
If your test was a short-term test -- one you left out from two to 90 days -- you should start by doing a follow up test to confirm your results. If the level is still elevated, call a state certified radon contractor. You can contact your state radon office, or The National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) to find local contractors. There are several ways to reduce radon in your home, but the most common is a fan and vent pipe system, which pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it to the outside. The cost of reducing radon in your home depends on how your home was built and the extent of the radon problem. It may be as simple as patching cracks in your foundation and floors.
Your risk of eventually getting lung cancer from radon depend mostly on how much radon is in your house, how much time you spend at home and whether you are a smoker or have ever smoked. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high. That’s another good reason to stop smoking!
You can learn more by reading the EPA's guide to radon and their consumer's guide to radon reduction.
If your test was a short-term test -- one you left out from two to 90 days -- you should start by doing a follow up test to confirm your results. If the level is still elevated, call a state certified radon contractor. You can contact your state radon office, or The National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) to find local contractors. There are several ways to reduce radon in your home, but the most common is a fan and vent pipe system, which pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it to the outside. The cost of reducing radon in your home depends on how your home was built and the extent of the radon problem. It may be as simple as patching cracks in your foundation and floors.
Your risk of eventually getting lung cancer from radon depend mostly on how much radon is in your house, how much time you spend at home and whether you are a smoker or have ever smoked. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high. That’s another good reason to stop smoking!
You can learn more by reading the EPA's guide to radon and their consumer's guide to radon reduction.
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