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Radon ALERT!
Whether you are currently looking to purchase a home, or you have not tested your current residence, you should test for the presence of Radon;
IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!
*This chart published and created by the Federal Government.
All current homeowners and future buyers should test for the presence of Radon! Our team is adamant about having our clients test for radon before making a purchase. This is an absolute critical test and should be taken very seriously.
What is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. Air pressure inside your home is usually lower than pressure in the soil around your home's foundation. Because of this difference in pressure, your house acts like a vacuum, drawing radon in through foundation cracks and other openings. Radon may also be present in well water and can be released into the air in your home when water is used for showering and other household uses. In most cases, radon entering the home through water is a small risk compared with radon entering your home from the soil. In the United States, radon gas in soil is the principal source of elevated radon levels in homes.
What are the effects of Radon Exposure?
Radon is estimated to cause many thousands of lung cancer deaths each year.
In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.
How do I test for Radon?
There are generally two types of tests available (that we generally use and are aware of). First, is the "Canister Test". This method has been used for many years and typically takes one average sample test in a period of several days. The second method known as the "Computer-based" test, is an electronic computer, usually left in the home for several days and performs a test usually every hour. This provides results that includes many more readings and shows low test points and high test points, including an average of the entire test period. The most modern devices also record temperature and barametric pressure. They can also detect if someone moved the device (which will effect the test results). Our team recommends the electronic tests to all of our clients.
How much does a Radon test cost?
Generally, in the greater New England area, a Radon test will cost between $100-150. Please decide to make the investment. This is such a small price to pay to protect yourself from such a terrible and life-threatening illness.
Can high levels of Radon in a home be corrected?
YES! A "Radon Mitigation System" can be installed in most homes and is usually very successful in correcting the problem. This system, (as of 2005 in the greater New England area) generally costs $800-1,000 installed.
For additional information please review the following federal government documents pertaining to Radon:
Consumer's guide to Radon reduction
http://epa.gov/radon/pubs/consguid.html
Home buyer and seller's guide to Radon
Home buyer and seller's guide to Radon
CNN.com Overview of Lung Cancer
http://www.cnn.com/interactive/health/0603/explainer.lungcancer/frameset.exclude.html
*The above infomation was taken from the government documents above.
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