EPA Says Radon Is A Threat in 1 of 15 Homes
According to two recent public service announcements from the Environmental Protection Agency found here: http://www.epa.gov/radon/video/rooftops_psa.mpeg and here http://www.epa.gov/radon/video/people_eng_30.mpg, radon is a silent, but potentially deadly invader of too many homes. Detecting and fixing a radon problem, however, is easier than you may think.
Did you know:
- Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer?
- Radon is a threat in 1 out of 15 homes, so the surgeon general recommends that every house be tested for radon because you can’t see it, smell it, or taste it?
- Many lung cancer victims never knew about this risk that may have caused their cancer?
But there’s hope! A simple home radon test can detect a radon problem and even homes with high radon levels can be fixed. A home radon test is cheap and only takes a few days. If you do find out that you have high radon levels, you can find a radon remediation professional who can install a radon remediation system including a radon fan. This system, including installation, generally costs less than a thousand dollars. So, don’t delay. Test your home today!
tamara Kramer-fischer
26 Sep, 2008
Dear Sirs:
I just learned that the house my family live in has radon levels at #6 in there basement and I was going to live down there to be closer to family for a short period of time now I don’t know what to do. How does this affect the rest of the house? Help Tamara
Dave Hill
6 Oct, 2008
Tamara, In most cases, radon enters a home as part of the soil gas infiltration. Which means the basement usually has the highest levels of radon. Radon can enter directly into the upper floors if the home has a private well supply that has elevated levels of radon or if there is a building material source. The latter is very rare.
Radon is a very treatable problem. A system is commonly installed in less than a day and most qualified contractors guarantee to reduce the level of radon well below the EPA action level of 4 pico curies per liter (pCi/l).
With an effective system in place, you can feel at ease living in a finished basement.
I would recommend contacting a certified mitigator in your area for a free consultation. You can find one through the National Environmental Health Association – National Radon Proficiency Program website http://www.radongas.org.
Dave Hill