Radon
Radon is an odorless, colorless radioactive gas that is a product of uranium breaking down in the environment. It generally enters the home from the soil that the house is built upon. The lower pressure inside the home acts as a vacuum to pull the gas in through cracks and seams in the foundation and floor. Radon levels can vary from home to home due to a number of factors, including access points in the structure. It is not practical to try to seal every crack and seam to prevent radon entry into the home.
The good news is that radon mitigation systems are relatively inexpensive to have installed, typically between $800-1500, and are effective in significantly lowering the level of radon entering the home. Unlike gases such as carbon monoxide, there is no immediate danger if there is a high level of radon the home, so there is no need to panic and rush to have a system installed. You can take your time and choose a contractor that you are comfortable with.
Using continuous radon monitors, you will receive the results immediately following the test! There is no waiting for an outside company to analyze other types of testing methods.
For more information visit: The EPA radon page (Link will open in a new page)
The good news is that radon mitigation systems are relatively inexpensive to have installed, typically between $800-1500, and are effective in significantly lowering the level of radon entering the home. Unlike gases such as carbon monoxide, there is no immediate danger if there is a high level of radon the home, so there is no need to panic and rush to have a system installed. You can take your time and choose a contractor that you are comfortable with.
Using continuous radon monitors, you will receive the results immediately following the test! There is no waiting for an outside company to analyze other types of testing methods.
For more information visit: The EPA radon page (Link will open in a new page)
What Is Radon?Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and comes from the natural breakdown (radioactive decay) of uranium. It is usually found in igneous rock and soil, but in some cases, well water may also be a source of radon.
What Are the Acceptable Levels?The US EPA has set an action level of 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter). At or above this level, you should take corrective action to reduce the level. Keep in mind that the radon level in your home will fluctuate throughout the year (usually higher in the winter and lower in the summer). As long as your home has a level below 4 pCi/L there is no immediate need for mitigation. However, keep in mind that the lower the level of radon, the lower the risk to your health.
As you can see in the map below, much of Lower Michigan, including Kalamazoo and Calhoun Counties, are considered a Zone 1 area. This means they have the greatest potential of high radon gas readings. |
Why Should You Have A Radon Test?When a person is exposed to high levels of radon, it can cause lung cancer. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer. It does take years of exposure before symptoms will occur, but if you smoke this will increase the risk.
How Will You Conduct the Test?I will place a continuous radon monitor in the lowest habitable area of the home for a minimum of 48 hours. I will take the average of those readings to report the level of radon in your home for those two days. The longer the monitor remains in the home, the more accurate the reading will be. The results will be available immediately at the end of the test - no waiting for lab tests!
Note that the lower levels of a home will have a higher concentration reading than the upper levels. |
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