Radon Gas Myths and Facts

MYTH #1: Scientists are not sure that radon gas really is a problem.

FACT: Although some scientists dispute the precise number of deaths due to radon, all the major health organizations (like Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Lung Association, World Health Organization, EPA and the American Medical Association) agree with estimates that radon causes thousands of preventable lung cancer deaths every year. This is especially true among smokers or people with compromised respiratory and/ or immune systems.

MYTH #2: Radon testing devices are not reliable and are difficult to find.

FACT: Reliable radon tests are available from qualified radon testers and companies, like InspectUSA.com. Additionally there are electronic Continuous Radon Monitors CRM, which are active radon testing devices that continuously gather and periodically record radon levels to reveal any unusual swings in the radon level during the test. Reliable testing devices and mitigation supplies are available at InspectUSA.com, Contact US.

MYTH #3: Radon testing is difficult and time-consuming.

FACT: Radon testing is easy. You can test your home yourself or hire a qualified radon test company. Either approach takes only a small amount of time and effort.

MYTH #4: Homes with radon problems cannot be fixed.

FACT: There are solutions to radon problems in homes. Many, many home owners have already lowered elevated radon levels in their homes. Radon levels can typically be readily lowered by way of sub slab ventilation and we have heard pricing from approximately $1500 to $4500, which was a national average. Consult with at least 2 qualified mitigation contractors in your area to help make a logical decision for your property. Each system has its own unique circumstances & requires a though out plan. Even after installing the components, there may be multiple tweaks and adjustments to get the system to be efficient at removing the radon gas. Keep in mind, radon mitigation systems are excellent at reducing or even removing other Volatile Organic Compounds VOC's, as well as excess humidity.

MYTH #5: Radon affects only certain types of homes.

FACT: Radon can be a problem in all types of homes, including old homes, new homes, drafty homes, insulated homes, homes with basements and homes without basements. Local geology, construction materials, and how the home was built are among the factors that can affect radon levels in homes.

MYTH #6: Radon is only a problem in certain parts of the country.

FACT: High radon levels have been found in every state. Radon problems do vary from area to area, but the only way to know the home's radon level is to test. Get your Do-It-Yourself test kit at Inspect USA.

MYTH #7: A neighbor's test result is a good indication of whether your home has a radon gas problem.

FACT: It is not true that your neighbor or adjacent properties are an indicator for your property. Radon levels vary from home to home. The level can even vary in the same home. The only way to know if your home has a radon problem is to test it.

MYTH #8: Everyone should test their water for radon.

FACT: While radon gets into some homes through the water, it is important to first test the air in the home for radon. If your water comes from a public water system that uses ground water, call your water supplier. No matter what the radon levels are found to be in the home, if you have a private well, you should test your water. Typically spring water and municipally supped water are not a big concern.

MYTH #9: It is difficult to sell a home where radon problems have been discovered.

FACT: Where radon problems have been fixed, home sales have not been blocked. The added protection could be a good selling point.

MYTH #10: I have lived in my home for so long, it does not make sense to take action now.

FACT: You will reduce your risk of lung cancer when you reduce radon levels, even if you have lived with an elevated radon level for a long time.

MYTH #11: Short-term tests cannot be used for making a decision about whether to reduce the home's high radon levels.

FACT: Short-term tests are like a snapshot and can be used to decide whether to test further, or to take action to reduce the home's high radon levels. However, the closer the short-term testing result is to 4 picoCuries Per Liter (pronounced like "peak-o-cure-e"), abbreviated as: pCi/L, the less certainty there is about whether the home's year-round average is above or below that level. Keep in mind that radon levels below 4 pCi/L still pose some risk and that radon levels can be reduced to 2 pCi/L or below in most homes. In this case Inspect USA recommends to perform a long term test, which spans from 91 days to a maximum of 365 days. This will give you the long term annual average exposure. This test on average cost less than $30 which Inspect USA does include the lab processing fees. Only additional is postage or shipping.

Radon Gas Myths and Facts

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