Radon gas
The second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States is exposure to radon gas. Radon gas is undetectable, except by testing.
Radon is created when uranium in the soil decays. The gas then can move through the soil and enter homes through the basement foundation and floor concrete. Cracks and penetrations through the concrete can contribute to radon problems, but the gas can enter even if none of those exist. The level that is found in the home is dependant on a number of factors such as: the strength of the source of the gas; the distance away the source is; the type of soil around the home. Radon can also enter the home through it's water - but the potential for a problem to be caused by that occurance is far less and generally is not considered of great significance.
Radon has been found to cause a problem in homes in all 50 states. Some areas have a much greater potential for problems than others. Even in what would be considered a low risk area, the only way to know for sure is to have the home tested. Visit the EPA website ( www.epa.gov/radon ) for more information.
The Environmental Protection Agency has set a threshold of 4 pico curies per liter of air in the home as the action level. That does not mean that a level of 3.5 is good for you - any exposure is not good for you. The action level was selected in part because of the difficulty in measuring and determining the effects of concentrations below that on humans. Also because practically any home that has a problem with radon gas can be mitigated to obtain levels below 4 pico curies per liter.
Testing for radon gas comes in two forms: active and passive. Active devices constantly measure the levels of radon and give the results immediately when the test is finished (this is the type testing done by Buyer's Home Inspections Inc.). Passive devices collect a sample over a period of time and then are sent to a laboratory for analysis. Either method can help you determine your level of risk.
Testing is generally done in the basement - but radon gas is not just a basement problem. It has been found that radon levels in a home tend to decrease 20 - 25% with each increase of floor level in the home. So if the level in the basement is 5 pico curies per liter, it could be over the action level on the main level of the house as well.
If elevated radon gas levels are found in your home a professional can properly mitigate the home to obtain levels below the action level. This typically involves a sub-slab depressurzation system be installed. Simply put, a system using plastic drain piping and a special fan that creates suction below the house, and directs the radon gas to a discharge above the roof, where it will safely dissipate. These systems typically cost around $1000 in our area to install.
When buying a home it is wise to consider having it tested for Radon gas. If test results already exist, they should be recent. Radon levels can change over time. That is why most authorities on the topic recommend re-testing every two years.
Buyer's Home Inspections Inc., 4215 44th St., S.W., Grandville, MI 49418
Phone: (616) 261-5334 E-mail: buyershomeinspections@comcast.net
Radon is created when uranium in the soil decays. The gas then can move through the soil and enter homes through the basement foundation and floor concrete. Cracks and penetrations through the concrete can contribute to radon problems, but the gas can enter even if none of those exist. The level that is found in the home is dependant on a number of factors such as: the strength of the source of the gas; the distance away the source is; the type of soil around the home. Radon can also enter the home through it's water - but the potential for a problem to be caused by that occurance is far less and generally is not considered of great significance.
Radon has been found to cause a problem in homes in all 50 states. Some areas have a much greater potential for problems than others. Even in what would be considered a low risk area, the only way to know for sure is to have the home tested. Visit the EPA website ( www.epa.gov/radon ) for more information.
The Environmental Protection Agency has set a threshold of 4 pico curies per liter of air in the home as the action level. That does not mean that a level of 3.5 is good for you - any exposure is not good for you. The action level was selected in part because of the difficulty in measuring and determining the effects of concentrations below that on humans. Also because practically any home that has a problem with radon gas can be mitigated to obtain levels below 4 pico curies per liter.
Testing for radon gas comes in two forms: active and passive. Active devices constantly measure the levels of radon and give the results immediately when the test is finished (this is the type testing done by Buyer's Home Inspections Inc.). Passive devices collect a sample over a period of time and then are sent to a laboratory for analysis. Either method can help you determine your level of risk.
Testing is generally done in the basement - but radon gas is not just a basement problem. It has been found that radon levels in a home tend to decrease 20 - 25% with each increase of floor level in the home. So if the level in the basement is 5 pico curies per liter, it could be over the action level on the main level of the house as well.
If elevated radon gas levels are found in your home a professional can properly mitigate the home to obtain levels below the action level. This typically involves a sub-slab depressurzation system be installed. Simply put, a system using plastic drain piping and a special fan that creates suction below the house, and directs the radon gas to a discharge above the roof, where it will safely dissipate. These systems typically cost around $1000 in our area to install.
When buying a home it is wise to consider having it tested for Radon gas. If test results already exist, they should be recent. Radon levels can change over time. That is why most authorities on the topic recommend re-testing every two years.
Buyer's Home Inspections Inc., 4215 44th St., S.W., Grandville, MI 49418
Phone: (616) 261-5334 E-mail: buyershomeinspections@comcast.net