RADON GAS IN AIR
Radon is a radioactive gas which results from the
natural breakdown of uranium found in rocks and soil. Studies have shown that
exposure to radon gas increases the risk of lung cancer. Most homes in Connecticut have a measurable amount of radon gas, and some have
high levels. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that steps be
taken to reduce radon if the level detected is 4.0 picocuries
per liter (pCi/L) or higher. Although there are some
known "hot spots" for radon in the state, there is no way to
accurately predict whether a house will have high radon. Two adjacent homes may
have very different radon levels. For this reason it is a good idea to test for
radon before buying a home. If a high radon level is detected, the cost of
correcting it can be considered along with other factors affecting the
purchase. In some cases the seller may pay part or all of the cost of radon
remediation.
ECHIS uses continuous radon monitors (CRM’s) to measure
radon gas. These instruments provide
more information than charcoal canisters or other similar devices. A graphic
printout of the results shows the hourly radon readings for the test period. The
CRM is placed in the house for a minimum of 48 hours. For an accurate radon
test, "closed house" conditions must be maintained for 12 hours prior
to testing and throughout the test period. This means that doors and windows
must be kept closed, except for normal traffic in and out of the house, and
systems which draw in outside air (whole-house fans, air conditioners set on
"fresh air", etc.) should not be used.
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Don't Panic!
There are effective methods of reducing radon...
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Don’t panic if your radon result is 4.0 or
higher! Reducing radon is accomplished by a variety of methods. Often the
solution is to install a fan system that removes radon from under the basement
floor. Only a licensed radon remediation contractor should be hired to do this
type of work. The contractor will perform further testing of radon levels
before and after corrective measures, to verify that the measures taken were
effective.
RADON IN WATER
In homes that have a private water supply,
radon may also be found in the well water. Radon in water contributes to the
radon levels in the air, and radon levels may be higher in the shower, around
the washing machine, etc. If a test of radon in the air detects elevated radon (4.0
pCi/L or higher), a radon test of the well water is
recommended. The State of Connecticut suggests that steps be taken to reduce radon levels in water if the
measurement is greater than 5000 pCi/L.
A LINK FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON
RADON:
EPA Radon Information
Eastern Connecticut
Home Inspection Services LLC.
(860) 450-1500
Info@CTHomeInspection.com