Old man winter is knocking at the door and he might be bringing radon with him. In homes that are located in cold weather environments, radon levels can be a greatly increased during colder months. This often-overlooked issue with radon gas is potentially one of radon’s greatest threats.
If you are like me, you hunker down for the cold months. When not at work, you tend to spend more time in the house enjoying a book, catching your favorite sports event or watching a movie. The house is our safe haven from the harsh weather outside. But is it really that safe? Radon levels in many homes tend to be higher during the winter months. Here are a few of the reasons why:
1. Greater stack effect can draw more radon into the home. During the winter, stack effect tends to be greater as the warm air within the house rises and escapes to the colder air outside. As air escapes, the house has to replace the air to equalize pressure. Many houses get new air through drafty doors and windows. Houses also get new air from the soil they are built upon. The air from the soil can be pulled in through cracks in the concrete, plumbing pipe penetrations, sump pump pits, floor drains, crawlspaces and any other areas that have contact with the soil. This new air that enters can contain radon gas.
2. Greater concentrations of radon can enter the home during winter months. Radon enters the home from the soil below it but more radon escapes through the soil around the home and dilutes into the fresh outdoor air. During winter months, in cold climates, the ground in our yards can freeze and be covered with a layer of snow. This creates a blanket effect that can trap radon in the soil around the house. Since less radon in the soil is able to escape through the frozen ground in the yard, the house may be pulling in higher concentrations of it.
3. Closed house conditions during the winter can keep radon gas levels from being diluted by fresh air. During warmer months some dilution can occur when you open the windows to bring fresh air in. During the winter the windows are usually shut to keep the house warm which can effect the concentration of radon in the house. Note: Opening windows can have the opposite effect by increasing the home’s stack effect and therefore pulling more radon in.
Why do I think this is one of radon’s greatest threats?
I have met many people who base their home’s radon level off of one single radon test result. Often times this test was performed a long time ago and the actual test report has gone missing. Many times, the radon test was performed by the home inspector during their real estate transaction and all they were told was that they “passed.” Many people may be living with radon levels that are significantly higher than what that single radon test had told them because of factors like seasonal variations. I believe that there are too many people who are living with the false sense of safety that they have low radon levels when in reality, they could be breathing high radon throughout half of the year.
If you have tested for radon in your home using a short-term radon test kit and the results came back under the EPA action level, consider performing another radon test during the opposite season that the original was performed. The best way to understand your true radon exposure is to perform a long-term radon test that samples the air throughout all the seasons.
Most importantly, don’t think that you are safe from radon based upon the results of a single radon test that may have been performed during a time of year when radon gas levels were naturally low. If you have high radon levels during any season consider radon mitigation to reduce the levels. Radon mitigation can reduce radon levels consistantly throughout the year to eliminate any seasonal variation.
Has something scary occurred to you while on the job? With Halloween around the corner, I thought it would be fun to discuss scary moments on the job.
Some of us believe in the supernatural and others do not. Some have elaborate stories about ghostly encounters or others have just had to deal with an unusual client that gives them the creeps. In the radon mitigation business, we have seen many unusual situations.
Radon mitigation system installers are in hundreds or even thousands of homes every year. Some homes are new and some are very old, some homes are in suburban neighborhoods and some are at the end of a long dirt road. For a radon mitigation technician, the consensus probably is that crawlspaces are the scariest places for us to work in.
Some homes are built above dirt or gravel crawlspaces. Many people live in their homes without ever even entering these dark caverns that exist below the floor. Many crawlspaces are confined spaces that you have to crawl on your belly to navigate. Most have little or no lighting and all are just a slight bit scary for even the toughest among us.
In radon mitigation, we block
cancer causing radon gas from seeping through the crawlspace to the livable areas of the home. We seal the crawlspace with a thick layer of plastic to create an airtight seal. After the plastic crawlspace membrane is in place, we install the radon mitigation pipes and fan to depressurize the soil below this membrane. When working on a crawlspace job, a
radon mitigation system installer can spend up to two days crawling around in these dark spaces. For me, one of my scariest on the job moments happened while working in a dark, musty crawlspace with no light except for the headlamp around my head.
It was a cold November morning outside of Chicago, IL. A fellow radon mitigation technician and myself were installing a radon mitigation system in a standard two-story house with a partial basement. We walked down to the basement and you could smell the musty odor emanating from the two-foot doorway that lead to the crawlspace below half of the house. The hinges of the small door let out a bloodcurdling squeak as we slowly opened it to see the unknown. As we shined our flashlight into the dark abyss, the wall of cobwebs was so thick that the light could barely penetrate. This was going to be one of those crawlspaces that us radon mitigators dread. This is an important part of the job so we proceeded to seal the crawlspace as we do with every radon system install of this kind. After several hours of placing a layer of plastic and sealing it to the wall I felt a tickle on the back of my head. I scratched my head thinking that it was just another wire or something dangling from the floor joists above me. I continued sealing the plastic to the foundation wall of the crawlspace when suddenly the headlamp that I was wearing ran out of batteries. This is not a good thing when it’s pitch black and you’re a five minute belly crawl to the crawlspace doorway! I yelled out to my fellow radon technician, who was working about forty feet away from me on the other side of the crawl. I knew it would take him about ten minutes to navigate the crawlspace to get me a set of batteries for my lamp so I sat there and waited in the dark. Not a minute goes by and I feel that tickle on my head again. I scratch it again assuming it was a cobweb or something. I continue to wait dark. Finally I see a flash of light, my co-worker was on his way with the batteries! He makes it about half way and I tossed him my headlamp to get it working again. He lights it up and tosses it back to me. I shined the light his way and he is looking at me. His face is pale and he looks like a deer in headlights! I look behind me, there wasn’t a ghost or anything so I look back and ask him what’s up? He immediately replies, “there’s a tarantula in your hair!!” I immediately flail around, brushing my hair with my hands. I could feel the weight of the thing as I flicked it off of my head. I shine the light down on the crawlspace plastic to be certain that it wasn’t going to crawl back and climb up my pant leg or something. I watch as the the giant spider scurries away! Who knows where it went but I'm sure it sat a watched me as I finished working the rest of the day.
Now this crawlspace hitchhiker wasn’t actually a tarantula but it was a massive spider! To this day, I do not enter a crawlspace without thinking about what might be living down there. I continue to itch, even as I type this blog, from the thought of that spider sitting in my hair while working on that crawlspace
radon mitigation project.
What are some scary things that have happened to you at work? Do you have a job that is just plain scary? Comment about them, we would like to hear your scary stories.
While sitting down with the listing agent to discuss your options, reality sets in. The comps in the neighborhood are down, the furnace needs to be updated, the rooms have to be staged and your favorite cherry red accent wall needs to be repainted in a more “neutral” color. The fact is if you want your home to sell, the house has to appeal to a wide variety of prospective buyers.
Radon testing and radon mitigation are quickly becoming a common issue during real estate transactions. More and more citizens are being educated about the risks associated with radon gas. These radon-educated buyers are looking for a new home with low radon levels. Even if the buyers do not know about radon, many home inspectors offer radon testing as an option during the home inspection process and their clients choose this option often. A home with low or reduced radon levels will be more appealing to home buyers.
Homes with radon issues can be sold but homes with resolved radon issues are more sellable. Consider radon testing and radon mitigation as a part of preparing the home to be sold. I often recommend that listing agents advise their clients to test for and repair any radon issue before placing the house on the market. This can prevent any future roadblock or surprises that may occur after the home inspection. Imagine the scenario that most people fear about radon in real estate transactions:
After a seemingly endless parade of people looking through every room in your home for sometimes months on end you finally find a buyer who makes a decent offer which you have accepted. A few weeks go by and it’s time for the home inspection. Because of your diligence prior to listing the property the home inspector doesn’t find any major issues or visible problems with your house. But wait, the buyers have chosen to perform a radon test. The home inspector has found an invisible problem with your house. The radon test comes back showing that radon levels are three times what the EPA recommends. These buyers, having never heard about radon before, scour the Internet to find out that radon is the number one cause for lung cancer in non-smokers. Being health conscious people, your buyers refuse to live in a house that might cause lung cancer. The buyers are contemplating walking and canceling the contract.
Nobody wants to have an issue arise during a real estate transaction especially in today’s tough market. Radon can be an issue when selling a home. Educate yourself with the correct radon information before you place your home on the market and you will certainly be better prepared to sell your home. Radon issues do not have to kill a real estate deal.
Points to consider when dealing with radon in real estate:
- If your house has high radon levels you are not alone, 1 in 15 American homes test high for radon gas. In many areas 50% or more homes test high for radon. Any house, old or new can have high radon levels.
- You can check the radon levels in your house using a do-it-youself radon test kit.
- There is not a way to just clean up the radon gas. Radon doesn't build up over time it is continuousely entering the home from the soil below it. Radon levels are reduced with permanently installed radon mitigation systems. Radon mitigation systems can reduce radon levels by 99%. Most radon systems can be installed in one day and radon levels can be reduced within 24 hours after system installation.
- In most cases the buyers will not walk away from a deal after finding out elevated radon levels are present. Usually they negotiate with the seller to have a radon mitigation system installed and reduced radon test results before closing on the property.
- Avoid roadblocks and surprises. Consider testing for radon before you put your house on the market. If radon tests are above 4 picocuries per liter, install a radon mitigation system to reduce the radon level. Perform a post-mitigation radon test to show that the radon levels are now low in your house. Advertise that your home has the added value of a radon mitigation system and your radon levels are low because it’s likely that other homes for sale have high radon levels that haven’t been resolved.
- Do your research when selecting a radon mitigation contractor. Make sure that they are licensed and insured, check references and get a transferable radon reduction warranty with your radon system. Avoid hiring the least expensive or least experienced installer because you want the radon reduction system to reduce radon levels and not all radon systems or contractors are the same.
Radon testing and radon mitigation are highly specialized trades. Selecting the right radon contractor can possibly be a life or death decision. Radon gas is the second leading cause for lung cancer as it kills more than 20,000 people annually. High levels of radon can occur anywhere in the United States. Because radon is a serious and common issue, selecting the appropriate contractor is serious business. Here are six basic questions to help you select a good radon contractor.
6 Questions to ask yourself when selecting a radon contractor:
1. Is the radon contractor licensed? There is not a national license for the radon trades. A client looking for a quality contractor should contact their
State Radon Office to find out if there is a State specific radon contractors license. Many states do not have licensing programs for radon. If you live in one of these states, look to hire a radon contractor who is certified either by the
National Environmental Health Association’s Radon Proficiency Program or by the
National Radon Safety Board’s Certification Program. It is also wise to ask if the installer/employee is licensed or certified. The company owner may have documents but the installers may be unskilled or inexperienced.
2. Are they insured? Radon is risky business and radon mitigation systems sometimes require major alterations to the home. Make certain to check your contractor’s insurance certificate to be sure it has proper coverage and is up to date.
3. What was your impression? Impressions are important and gut feelings can be a strong indicator. Did the contractor give you the impression that they truly care about what they do for a living? Were they presentable and respectful? In many cases if you had a bad first impression, you will likely have a bad last impression. A person’s demeanor can say a lot about the quality of their work.
4. Did you get a firm price? Whenever dealing with any contractor it is important to agree to a firm price or written proposal before proceeding. Make sure the radon contractor provides a detailed scope of work and a contract before starting work. Do not pay money up front without a signed contract. If a radon contractor cannot provide a firm price to install a radon mitigation system it may indicate a lack of experience. An experienced radon contractor should know exactly the cost to install a radon mitigation system or perform a radon test.
5. Do they provide a guarantee? The EPA recommends that radon levels be lowered below 4 picocuries per liter. Most quality
radon mitigation contractors will provide a written guarantee of performance. Some contractors will have stronger warranties than others. A quality radon mitigation contractor should be able to install the radon remediation system with confidence that the radon levels will be lessened. If a contractor refuses to provide a performance warranty it may indicate a lack of quality and experience.
6. Do they have references? Any good contractor will be more than willing to provide references to prospective clients. If a contractor side steps when you ask for references you may have to wonder what they are hiding. A past customer can provide you with details of how their experience with the contractor was. Ask the reference about cleanliness, quality, punctuality and overall satisfaction. Ask them if they have ever had any trouble contacting the contractor for service work after the job was completed. Checking references can be the strongest indicator of good versus bad radon contractors.
3 Final points when selecting a radon contractor:
• Decisions shouldn’t always come down to price. A lower price can indicate low paid or unlicensed technicians and low quality parts. Too high of a price can indicate a lack of experience to quote correctly.
• Radon gas is deadly. If you hire a radon measurement contractor who performs an incorrect test you could be living under false impressions. If you hire a bad radon mitigation contractor you may have a low quality radon system installed that doesn’t keep radon levels at bay.
• It is important to question your radon contractor but if they are questionable people, you may want to keep shopping.
There are hundreds of good radon contractors throughout the country but as in every trade there are some bad ones. Recently a contractor in Colorado lost their license through falsifying radon test data and intimidating clients [
Bad Radon Contractor Colorado Story]. Don’t allow yourself to be subjected to low quality radon contractors, do you homework and you will find a contractor who will handle your radon testing or mitigation project with professionalism.
If you need help finding a quality radon contractor please feel free to contact us
RadoVent™ Radon Mitigation Services.
Radon is not just a homowner's issue.
I have been away from my radon blog for the last few weeks as I have been working in the field on a large radon mitigation project. This project is a townhouse style, low-income apartment complex. While working on this project I spent some time thinking about how great it is that the management company who hired us is taking action to protect their tenants from the
dangers of radon gas.
I don’t know the details of why they decided to test for radon gas. The laws do not require landlords to test their properties for
radon in Utah. No matter the circumstances that lead to finding elevated radon levels in these units, this management company is doing the right thing by taking action to
reduce radon exposure in this property.
Renters, unlike homeowners don’t typically go through a due diligence period before signing a lease. home buyers enjoy the benefit of disclosures, home inspections, optional radon testing or other environmental testing before they buy the home. Renters typically just sign a lease and are unaware of the potential problems that may exist in their apartment or rental house. If a homeowner detects elevated radon levels it is their choice to proceed with radon mitigation. If a renter detects radon in their home they may have to jump through hoops to get the management company or landlord to correct the problem.
Illinois recently passed a law
(420 ILCS 46/25) that requires disclosure of
Illinois radon hazards to current and prospective tenants. This is a great move to protect the citizens of Illinois from the dangers of radon gas. According to a recent
radon awareness survey in Colorado, radon awareness increases with income and age. Many low-income and young citizens live in rental properties and may not know that they may be exposed to dangerous levels of radon.
As we were installing the
radon mitigation systems in these apartments many of the tenants would ask us, “
What is radon gas?” One person even asked us if radon gas comes from “leaky pipes in the air-conditioning unit,” I clarified that radon comes naturally from the soil below the building and that they may be thinking of Freon in an air conditioner. These tenants, without the good deeds of their landlord may have continued to be exposed to radon throughout the duration of living in these homes and never have known.
It is time that states become proactive to protect their citizens from the dangers of radioactive radon gas. Like Illinois, other states should take action to mandate radon disclosure in rental properties. If you are a landlord, consider testing for radon gas in your property. A test can be performed inexpensively and radon mitigation will not break the bank in comparison to other property repairs. If you are a developer, consider building your buildings using
radon resistant new construction techniques. If you are a homeowner who rents the basement, consider the fact that radon levels tend to be greater in the lowest livable area of the home. If you are a renter, buy a
do-it-yourself radon test and see if you are living with high radon levels. A simple radon test and the installation of a
permanent radon mitigation system can potentially save lives. This is not only a moral issue but it can possibly be a liability issue.
It’s Monday night and you just got home from work. You enjoy a nice meal with your family and step down to the basement to watch your favorite TV show or sporting event. The show breaks for commercial and you notice an advertisement asking: Have you have ever been exposed to asbestos in the work place? Do you know anyone who has died from or is suffering from mesothelioma? If so you may have a personal injury case, call the mesothelioma experts at…. Now you probably don’t take much notice after that, you work and have always worked in clean modern buildings and to your knowledge you have never been exposed to asbestos. So you and your family continue on with your evening in the basement TV room, watching your favorite programs. What you may not know is that your basement TV room may be far more deadly than mesothelioma and unfortunately there aren’t many TV commercials educating you about radon gas and its risks.
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can be caused by exposure to asbestos in the home or workplace. It is a deadly disease that devastates families who’s loved one’s knowingly or unknowingly were exposed to dangerous asbestos particles in the air. Mesothelioma affects the thin tissue around organs and is especially damaging to the lungs. According to a Centers for Disease Control study, mesothelioma causes about 2,500 deaths annually. Many personal injury law firms are advertising on the television and radio because asbestos manufacturers hid the dangers of asbestos from the public and continued to sell and distribute their deadly product. Subsequently the public was exposed to asbestos in their homes and at work. Millions of dollars in trust funds have been set aside for mesothelioma settlements to help patients with medical and funeral bills.
Radon gas induced lung cancer kills approximately 20,000 Americans each year according to the United States EPA and the Centers for Disease Control. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium in the soil. Radon gas seeps into homes through cracks and openings in the foundation. Radon is odorless and colorless and the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon levels tend to be higher in the basement because radon is heavier than air. Awareness for radon is low and even though it kills an estimated 17,500 more people per year than mesothelioma, you don’t see many commercials on TV educating people about radon dangers. One reason is that radon is naturally occurring and you can’t sue Mother Nature. In the future, we may begin to see lawsuits associated with exposure to radon in the workplace because just as radon gas can affect you in your home, radon enters offices and buildings through the foundation. If detected, radon gas can be controlled with a radon remediation system. These systems remove the radon from the soil before it enters the home, office, school or other building. Radon remediation systems typically cost under $1500 for a single family home and can reduce radon gas levels by up to 99%.
Next time you notice a commercial for mesothelioma, think about the greater risk of lung cancer from radon gas. Purchase a radon test kit online, from state or local radon contacts, from certified radon measurement professionals or from your local hardware store. If you know about radon gas, educate your families and friends about its dangers because it’s unlikely that they will see a radon commercial on TV.
For stories about lung cancer and radon gas go to: www.cansar.org
Here is an EPA radon PSA that you may not run accross on TV so we'll show it here:
Radon resistant new construction (RRNC) is quickly becoming a hot topic for new homes and buildings. Radon resistant new construction techniques control radon gas entry through the installation of a passive radon mitigation system. When installed correctly by a licensed radon contractor, passive radon systems can help to prevent radon gas entry without the use of a radon vent fan. These systems are more economical for consumers as the cost to install is typically less than retrofit applications and compared to active radon systems the electrical and heat energy savings are great. Many states, municipalities, contractors and architects are adopting radon resistant new construction codes and policies that are the correct procedure.
As the demand for passive radon mitigation increases, there may be a hidden danger that makes these systems more deadly than not having a radon system at all.
Over the years, we have been called to activate passive radon mitigation systems in hundreds of homes. In most cases the homeowner is selling the home and the buyers performed a radon test during inspection. When radon levels come back high, we are called to activate the passive radon system by installing a radon vent fan. Many times we find that the homeowner is baffled by the fact that the radon levels came back high. They ask, "how are the levels high when I have a radon mitigation system?"
There are several radon resistant new construction facts to consider when asking this question.
- There is currently no national standard radon resistant new construction. Therefore many builders have no standard to pull from; leaving homes with improperly installed radon resistant systems.
- Passive radon systems are not known to reduce radon levels as well as active radon mitigation systems. In many cases, passive radon systems only reduce radon levels by 50% leaving the home with radon gas levels greater than the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L.
- Most passive radon systems are not installed by licensed or certified radon mitigation contractor. The plumber or the builder who does not specialize in radon mitigation installs them.
Most importantly:
- Many passive radon mitigation systems don't work at all!
Time and time again we have arrived at homes to activate passive radon systems that were installed when the home was built. We find that proper RRNC techniques have not been followed. Many times we find incorrect PVC pipe size, unsealed cracks, improper pipe routes and worst of all the radon suction point has been capped underneath the slab by the concrete as it was poured. This is potentially more dangerous than not having a radon system at all. These unknowing homeowners were told that they have a "radon system" in their new home. They were left under the false assumption that the home is protected from radon and in many cases never test for radon gas to see if the system is working. Without the use of correct radon resistant new construction techniques, all that these homeowners have is an ineffective pipe in the basement labeled “radon system”. The homeowners may have been living and continued to live with dangerous levels of this cancer causing radon gas without even knowing it.
If you are building a new home:
If you live in a home with a “passive radon mitigation system”
- Test for radon gas at least every two years.
- Inspect your foundation for new cracks/radon entry points and seal them.
- Call your local radon contractor to inspect the system design.
- Do not assume that you are protected from radon if you have never performed a radon test.
Passive radon mitigation is a great way to reduce radon gas if the system is installed correctly. They can be easily activated if radon levels remain high and are nicely hidden within the home. These systems may help reduce lung cancer risk for you and your family but always be certain that the passive system was installed correctly.
It's a peaceful day in suburbia the sky is blue and the birds are chirping while the kids are playing in the yard. Enjoying the view you think how grateful you are of your beautiful new home. You notice the postman delivering the mail to your neighbors and make your way to the street to greet him. The postman hands you an envelope from the radon testing company, the results are in and the radon levels are surprisingly high! You look back at your new home and suddenly fear takes over, “how can this be?” “What do I do now?” “Do I have to move?”
You don’t have to move and even if you did, high radon levels can be found in any home. You can easily correct the problem through the installation of a radon mitigation system. Within 24 hours of a system installation, radon levels can be reduced by up to 99%. These soil gas ventilation systems can be hidden within the house and won't break the bank.
What’s the problem with radon?
Radon gas is the number 1 cause for lung cancer in non-smokers. It kills more than 20,000 people annually. Radon gas causes 7 times more lung cancer cases than second hand smoke. Radon is especially dangerous for smokers based upon a combined effect.
Where does radon gas come from?
Radon occurs naturally in the soil. It is a decay product of radioactive uranium. Uranium becomes radium and radium becomes radioactive radon gas.
How does radon enter the home?
Radon is drawn into the home through radon entry points in the concrete slab, foundation or crawlspaces. The home has a natural negative pressure that pulls radon gas in from the soil.
What levels of radon gas should I worry about?
No level of radon gas is considered “safe.” The United States EPA has established the radon level of 4 pico-curies per liter as the level to take action to reduce. The World Health Organization has set a reference level to reduce radon levels greater than 2.7 pCi/L.
How do radon mitigation systems work?
Radon mitigation systems work by creating a vacuum in the soil below the foundation of the house. Radon vent systems run 24/7 to continuously pull radon gas out of the soil and vent it at a safe level above the home.
How much do radon mitigation systems cost?
The cost of the radon mitigation system can vary depending on the size of the home and the construction style. Single family homes with full basements or slab on grade foundations can cost $900 to $1800. Homes that have exposed dirt or gravel crawlspaces are more expensive because the crawlspace must be sealed with an airtight membrane.
Radon gas does not have to ruin the way you look at your home because radon problems can be permanently corrected at a relatively low price point. Once you correct the radon gas problem with a properly installed radon mitigation system, enjoy the fact that your home now is a safer place to breathe.
Radon Mitigation Systems can be installed through the exterior of the house or hidden within attic. Both methods are effective to reduce radon gas levels in homes. Exterior installed radon systems are most common across the United States but there are several benefits to the attic installation.
Seven benefits of radon systems installed the the attic:
- Hidden radon system components. Rather than having the fan and vent pipes installed on the side of the house, the only visible exterior component is the vent stack rising through the roof similar to an existing plumbing stack.
- Radon fans are better protected from the elements. Radon systems create condensation within the suction and exhaust pipes. In cold environments, this condensation can freeze and effect the life of the radon vent fan. Radon fans inside attic spaces are better protected from the freeze and thaw cycle.
- Radon fans and electrical components are out of reach. When installed through the attic space, the radon fan and its electrical components are located within the attic. This location is more innaccessible to children who may turn the fan off or play with the system components.
- Quieter radon systems. Although radon systems installed through the exterior are quiet, installing the fan inside attic space can prevent all noticable system noise.
- System performance indication. Most attic installations are routed through the garage. This method allows the installer to place the system performance gauge right in the garage. Every time you enter your garage you can make certain that your radon system is on and pulling vacuum.
- Radon in real-estate. Many people with radon systems are concerned about the effect of the resale value of their home. A radon system installed through the attic is more appealing to potential buyers as it is not a noticable component on the outside of the house.
- Radon reintrainment. Having the vent stack opening above the roof of the house makes it possible for the radon contractor to get the radon system exhaust further away from doors, windows and other openings. This will minimize the possibility of radon re-entry into the home.
Special Note: Radon mitigation systems installed through the exterior have stood the test of time and will prevent the flow of radon gas. If your home does not have a location available to install the system through the attic, an exterior radon system will effectively reduce radon gas levels.
When choosing the type of radon mitigation system for your house, consider the option of installing the system through the attic space.
If there is a strange smell in your basement it may be musty odors from a moisture problem, a leaky gas pipe from a combustion appliance or just your teenagers gym socks. It is not radon gas. Radon gas is odorless, colorless, tasteless and radioactive.
Radon gas seeps into the home through radon entry points in the foundation. These entry points include cracks in the concrete slab, un-trapped floor drains, sump pits, plumbing penetrations, exposed dirt/gravel crawlspaces or even the pores of the concrete. Radon gas is the second leading cause for lung cancer according to the US EPA and kills more than 20,000 Americans per year.
Because you can’t smell radon gas, the only way to know if you have it in your home, office or school is to test for it. The National Environmental Health Association, NEHA/NRPP and the National Radon Safety Board, NRSB both have certification programs for radon measurement professionals. Many states including Illinois have their own radon licensing and certification programs. A radon measurement professional usually performs radon tests using continuous radon monitors to offer hour-by-hour radon measurement data. It is very important to use certified individuals to make certain that they follow the correct testing protocol and that their radon gas monitors are properly calibrated. It is too important of an issue to run the possibility of having false readings from faulty devices or incorrect protocol.
Another method to check your home for radon gas is to perform a do-it-yourself radon test. These test kits absorb or detect the radon gas passively. These radon kits are simple to use and will provide you with an overall average radon level during the period of time the test was deployed. Many online retailers and local hardware stores sell simple DIY radon test kits. You may even be able to purchase these DIY kits from your local health department or state radon contact.
The US EPA has determined the action level for radon gas to be at 4 pico-curies per liter and higher but no level of radon gas is considered safe. Elevated levels of radon gas can be resolved through the installation of a radon mitigation system. These radon vent systems prevent radon gas entry by creating a vacuum in the soil below the concrete slab. Radon mitigation systems should be installed by licensed or certified radon mitigation contractors. Radon mitigation systems involve highly technical processes to properly create a permanent vacuum in the soil under the home while minimizing the amount of indoor air they remove. Opening windows in the basement may help ventilate smelly teenagers rooms and musty odors but it may have no effect on minimizing radon gas levels and may create a stronger driving mechanism to pull radon gas into the home.
Next time you enter your basement think about testing for radon gas. Your home should be your safe haven and not your silent killer.
More Radon gas info