|
|
Should I have my home tested for radon?
Where and why the Triangle is affected
By: Gavin Smith,
|
You may be asking yourself, "What is radon?" Radon is a gas that is emitted from the decomposition of uranium, much like natural gas is to crude oil. In the same manner that when crude oil decomposes it emits natural gas, when uranium decomposes, it emits radon gas. The gas builds up pressure which is then released through a relief vein. The location of these relief veins is what affects the radon exposure in one's house.
| EPA Recommends |
- Test your home for radon -- it's easy and inexpensive.
- Fix your home if your radon level is 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher.
- Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a risk, and in many cases may be reduced.
Radon is estimated to cause thousands of lung cancer deaths in the U.S. each year.
* Radon is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year, according to EPA's 2003 Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R-03-003). The numbers of deaths from other causes are taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 1999-2001 National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Report and 2002 National Safety Council Reports.
|
|
There are several factors that affect the concentration of radon gas in one's house. One is the size of the relief vein and the type of foundation construction of the house. Homes with a basement or slab foundation are at greater risk because these types of foundations can act as a funnel, increasing the concentration of radon gas into the house. However, homes with a crawlspace can also have high levels of radon, depending on the amount of the escaping radon gas.
Higher levels of radon have consistently been detected in the Quail Hollow, Falls River, Heritage and Wakefield areas of Wake County. This is believed to be due to large granite rock formations containing uranium in these areas. However, we have found radon in many other areas of Wake County as well, but the areas mentioned above are more frequently found to have higher concentrations of radon gas.
One of the most accurate short-term radon tests is a digital monitor with hourly measurements of the radon gas and the environmental conditions. You can go to www.radongas.org for more information on radon testing and a list of certified measurement providers in your area. A test is typically around $150 and takes a minimum of 2 days to complete. You can also call us directly and we would be glad to answer any questions you have about having your home tested for radon.
|
|
|
|
Inspections are performed by Gavin Smith, a licensed general contractor and home inspector in the state of North Carolina. His company has been in Raleigh for over 10 years, and Gavin has worked in the inspection industry for over 14 years. More...
|
|
|
| |
| |
Tips
|
|
| |
User Tips
|
|
|
Click to
Leave a Tip
|
|
|
|
