What is Radon?
Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that typically resides in soil or water. Radon gas rises through the surrounding soil of homes and enters through exposed cracks and openings, such as sump pump lids and plumbing features. Since radon is colorless, odorless and tasteless, dangerous levels of this radioactive gas may be present in your home without your knowledge. Hot spots for radon generally include basements, first-floor rooms and garages. High radon levels have been detected as high as the third or fourth floor of buildings. Radon affects all geographical areas, too, as dangerous levels of radon have been detected in homes across the United States. Homeowners should be aware of the serious health risks posed by radon if it is left untreated in their homes. Radon levels can easily be controlled with cost effective methods, so take action today and encourage your friends and family members to do the same!
Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that typically resides in soil or water. Radon gas rises through the surrounding soil of homes and enters through exposed cracks and openings, such as sump pump lids and plumbing features. Since radon is colorless, odorless and tasteless, dangerous levels of this radioactive gas may be present in your home without your knowledge. Hot spots for radon generally include basements, first-floor rooms and garages. High radon levels have been detected as high as the third or fourth floor of buildings. Radon affects all geographical areas, too, as dangerous levels of radon have been detected in homes across the United States. Homeowners should be aware of the serious health risks posed by radon if it is left untreated in their homes. Radon levels can easily be controlled with cost effective methods, so take action today and encourage your friends and family members to do the same!
What Homeowners should know about Radon and its Effects
The bad news:
As mentioned earlier, radon is an extremely dangerous radioactive gas that poses serious health risks if inhaled. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. (the leading cause among non-smokers) and claims more than 21,000 lives each year according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The good news:
Due to the low cost of reducing radon levels, the EPA, as well as the Surgeon General, strongly recommends radon testing in all homes in the United States in order to detect elevated levels of radon. If elevated levels are identified, homeowners should take proper actions to reduce the risk and health threat posed this potentially harmful gas.
While there is no known “safe” level of radon, average indoor radon levels are estimated at 1.3 pCi/L (radon is measured in picoCuries per liter of air (pCi/L), a measurement of radioactivity). The EPA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that homes with radon levels of 4 pCi/L or higher should be repaired to avoid potential health risks. The EPA also urges homeowners to consider professional repair to their homes if radon levels are at or above 4 pCi/L.
Unfortunately, the presence of radon in one home is not a direct indicator of its presence in a neighboring home. In fact, neighboring homes often exhibit considerably differing levels of radon. Every home is uniquely different. Radon results will absolutely vary between dwellings, neighborhoods, cities and counties. Homeowners need to be aware of this fact.
Today, despite preventive construction techniques, every new home should be tested for radon prior to occupancy. In fact, it is easier and less expensive to effectively reduce radon levels in newly constructed homes. In addition, subsequent structural renovations to a home should be performed only after a radon test has been completed. If the test results indicate dangerous radon levels above EPA standards, radonresistant techniques can be incorporated into the renovation to prevent further entry.
Sources: United States Environmental Protection Agency Illinois Emergency Management Agency
The bad news:
As mentioned earlier, radon is an extremely dangerous radioactive gas that poses serious health risks if inhaled. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. (the leading cause among non-smokers) and claims more than 21,000 lives each year according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The good news:
Due to the low cost of reducing radon levels, the EPA, as well as the Surgeon General, strongly recommends radon testing in all homes in the United States in order to detect elevated levels of radon. If elevated levels are identified, homeowners should take proper actions to reduce the risk and health threat posed this potentially harmful gas.
While there is no known “safe” level of radon, average indoor radon levels are estimated at 1.3 pCi/L (radon is measured in picoCuries per liter of air (pCi/L), a measurement of radioactivity). The EPA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that homes with radon levels of 4 pCi/L or higher should be repaired to avoid potential health risks. The EPA also urges homeowners to consider professional repair to their homes if radon levels are at or above 4 pCi/L.
Unfortunately, the presence of radon in one home is not a direct indicator of its presence in a neighboring home. In fact, neighboring homes often exhibit considerably differing levels of radon. Every home is uniquely different. Radon results will absolutely vary between dwellings, neighborhoods, cities and counties. Homeowners need to be aware of this fact.
Today, despite preventive construction techniques, every new home should be tested for radon prior to occupancy. In fact, it is easier and less expensive to effectively reduce radon levels in newly constructed homes. In addition, subsequent structural renovations to a home should be performed only after a radon test has been completed. If the test results indicate dangerous radon levels above EPA standards, radonresistant techniques can be incorporated into the renovation to prevent further entry.
Sources: United States Environmental Protection Agency Illinois Emergency Management Agency
1. Preperation
The US EPA and Surgeon General strongly recommend that all homes are subjected to radon testing. Whether the test is a part of a real estate transaction or for the renovation of a home, preparation for testing involves the same easy-to-follow process. The principal step in preparation is to establish a “Closed Home Condition”. “Closed Home Condition” means keeping all windows and doors closed, except for normal entry and exit and avoiding operating fans or other ventilation devices that use outdoor air. These conditions must be in place for at least 12 hours prior to the test. Once you contact an Applus+ representative, we will ask a few questions to better understand your home to provide you with specific preparation instructions for you.
2. Preperation
Each home has a different layout and requires unique testing procedures. The Applus+ Home Inspector will examine the home and determine the available testing options. The testing equipment should be placed in an area where it will not be disturbed and in the lowest living areas of the home. In most cases, this is the basement or the room directly above a crawlspace. It is not unusual to have a home require more than one set of equipment to test more than one area at a time.
3. 48 Hour Testing Period
If “Closed House Conditions” are achieved before the test is begun, the test should last at least 48 hours. During this test “Closed House Conditions” are maintained by using door hangers, control documentation and window monitoring to ensure the most effective seal possible. This is designed to have as minimal an impact on the home’s occupants as possible.
4. Analysis
Upon the completion of the test, Applus+ Home Inspections will retrieve the equipment and analyze the data. Once the data is analyzed, we will provide professional recommendations to our clients. These results are typically provided within 24 hours of conclusion of the test.
5. Results
Reviewing the results is critical in determining the risks posed by the levels of Radon gas present in the home. If the initial results reveal radon levels greater than 4 picoCuries per Liter (pCi/L) both USEPA and IEMA recommend reducing the radon levels in the home. USEPA and IEMA recommend that homes are tested every two years regardless of initial test results.
The US EPA and Surgeon General strongly recommend that all homes are subjected to radon testing. Whether the test is a part of a real estate transaction or for the renovation of a home, preparation for testing involves the same easy-to-follow process. The principal step in preparation is to establish a “Closed Home Condition”. “Closed Home Condition” means keeping all windows and doors closed, except for normal entry and exit and avoiding operating fans or other ventilation devices that use outdoor air. These conditions must be in place for at least 12 hours prior to the test. Once you contact an Applus+ representative, we will ask a few questions to better understand your home to provide you with specific preparation instructions for you.
2. Preperation
Each home has a different layout and requires unique testing procedures. The Applus+ Home Inspector will examine the home and determine the available testing options. The testing equipment should be placed in an area where it will not be disturbed and in the lowest living areas of the home. In most cases, this is the basement or the room directly above a crawlspace. It is not unusual to have a home require more than one set of equipment to test more than one area at a time.
3. 48 Hour Testing Period
If “Closed House Conditions” are achieved before the test is begun, the test should last at least 48 hours. During this test “Closed House Conditions” are maintained by using door hangers, control documentation and window monitoring to ensure the most effective seal possible. This is designed to have as minimal an impact on the home’s occupants as possible.
4. Analysis
Upon the completion of the test, Applus+ Home Inspections will retrieve the equipment and analyze the data. Once the data is analyzed, we will provide professional recommendations to our clients. These results are typically provided within 24 hours of conclusion of the test.
5. Results
Reviewing the results is critical in determining the risks posed by the levels of Radon gas present in the home. If the initial results reveal radon levels greater than 4 picoCuries per Liter (pCi/L) both USEPA and IEMA recommend reducing the radon levels in the home. USEPA and IEMA recommend that homes are tested every two years regardless of initial test results.
The Illinois Radon Awareness Act
The Illinois Radon Awareness Act, effective January 1, 2008, and the Illinois Real Property Disclosure Act each require sellers to accurately disclose certain health-related information to the buyer, including the seller’s knowledge of unsafe concentrations of radon in the home. However, these acts do not require the seller to conduct radon testing to determine radon levels, nor do they require remediation work if radon is, in fact, at an elevated level within the home. The seller’s responsibility is merely to inform the potential buyer of the risk of radon in the home, as well as provide general radon information.
Since testing for radon is an inexpensive, yet crucial step, there is a growing trend among relocation companies and lending institutions, even potential home buyers, to require a complete radon test prior to the purchasing of a home. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) strongly recommends indoor radon detection and testing services, as well as any subsequent repairs, to be completed by a licensed measurement or mitigation professional or technician, respectively.
The simple execution of these important radon safety measures can provide homeowners with a means to better protect their health, safety, and peace of mind.
While radon is geographically present in every U.S. state, levels of this gas may be detected in higher or lower concentrations according to their specific locations. The map indicates the Illinois counties that have reported high, moderate, or low levels of radon gas.
The Illinois Radon Awareness Act, effective January 1, 2008, and the Illinois Real Property Disclosure Act each require sellers to accurately disclose certain health-related information to the buyer, including the seller’s knowledge of unsafe concentrations of radon in the home. However, these acts do not require the seller to conduct radon testing to determine radon levels, nor do they require remediation work if radon is, in fact, at an elevated level within the home. The seller’s responsibility is merely to inform the potential buyer of the risk of radon in the home, as well as provide general radon information.
Since testing for radon is an inexpensive, yet crucial step, there is a growing trend among relocation companies and lending institutions, even potential home buyers, to require a complete radon test prior to the purchasing of a home. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) strongly recommends indoor radon detection and testing services, as well as any subsequent repairs, to be completed by a licensed measurement or mitigation professional or technician, respectively.
The simple execution of these important radon safety measures can provide homeowners with a means to better protect their health, safety, and peace of mind.
While radon is geographically present in every U.S. state, levels of this gas may be detected in higher or lower concentrations according to their specific locations. The map indicates the Illinois counties that have reported high, moderate, or low levels of radon gas.
For additonal information on Radon download: A Citizen’s Guide To Radon The Guide To Protecting Yourself And Your Family From Radon
Download EPA.Citizens Guide
Prepared by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Indoor Environments Division (6609J), Washington, D.C. 20460 U.S. EPA 402-K-07-009, Revised May 2007
Download EPA.Citizens Guide
Prepared by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Indoor Environments Division (6609J), Washington, D.C. 20460 U.S. EPA 402-K-07-009, Revised May 2007
