The U.S Environmental Protection Agency estimates that one in every fifteen homes has an unacceptable level of radon. Radon is the result of the breakdown of uranium in rock, soil, or water and it sends radioactive alpha particles into the air we breath. Radon is recognized as a leading cause of lung cancer. It can not be seen, has no odor, or taste. It could be in your home.
But, how does it get there? There are multiple ways that radon gas can permeate a home depending on the geographical location, the level of radon in the soil, and the type of home construction. Radon moves up through the ground and can get into a building through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Exposure to radon most often is a result of a building's contact with soil whether the home has a basement or not. Radon gets trapped inside the home and builds up to dangerous levels. Sometimes radon can enter the home through well water but this is less frequent.
(A) Cracks in concrete slabs
(B) Spaces behind brick veneer walls that rest on uncapped hollow-brick foundation
(C) Pores and cracks in concrete blocks
(D) Floor-wall joints
(E) Exposed soil, as in a sump
(F) Weeping (drain) tile, if drained to open sump
(G) Mortar joints
(H) Loose fitting pipe penetrations
(I) Open tops of block walls
(J) Building materials such as some rocks
(K)Water (from some wells)
It doesn't matter if your home is old or new construction. Radon is so prevalent that it is found in all of the geographical locations of the United States and many types of buildings. Testing your home for radon gas in the air is simple. Short term radon gas in air tests require 48-96 hours of exposure in the space that you want to test. InspectUSA sells two types of short term radon in air test kits, available in a canister or a vial. Lab results for short term air and water tests are typically available the next business day after we receive them. Long term radon in gas test kits require a 91 day to 12 month period of exposure. Long term results take approximately two to three weeks for processing. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends that radon levels between 2 pCi/L through 4 pCi/L should be fixed. Lab results can be interpreted by a radon specialist in your area who will also be able to recommend a radon mitigation system for your house.
