Home Inspection Plus

Because radon is a carcinogenic gas that is hazardous to inhale, build-up of radon in homes is a health concern. About 12% of lung cancers and more than 20,000 Americans die of radon-related lung cancer each year. The Surgeon General of the United States issued a Health Advisory warning to Americans about the health risk of radon in indoor air: breathing air containing radon increases your risk of lung cancer, and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. The Nation's Chief Physician urged Americans to test their homes for radon and stressed the need to remedy the problem as soon as possible.

You cannot see, smell, or taste radon. But it still may be a problem in your home. Testing is the only way to find out your home's radon levels. If you find that your home has high radon levels, there are ways to fix that problem. Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into a home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Radon can also enter a home through well water.

Any home can have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the United States is estimated to have an elevated radon level.

EPA's Radon Testing Check List:

Notify the occupants of the importance of proper testing conditions. Give the occupants written instructions and explain the directions carefully.
Conduct the radon test for a minimum of 48 hours or, as specified by test device.
When doing a short-term test ranging from 2-7 days, it is important to maintain closed-house conditions for 12 hours before the test begins and during the entire test period.
Hire only a qualified individual. Some states issue photo identification (ID) cards; ask to see it. The tester's ID number, should be included or in the test report.
The test should include method(s) to prevent or detect interference with testing conditions or with the testing device itself.
If the house has an active radon-reduction system, make sure the vent fan is operating properly.

Many states require radon professionals to be licensed, certified, or registered. Most states can provide you with a list of knowledgeable radon service providers doing business in the state. In states that don't regulate radon services, ask the individual if they hold a professional proficiency or certification credential.

Radon Myths and Facts

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

FACT: Although some scientists dispute the precise number of deaths due to radon, all the major health organizations (like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Lung Association and the American Medical Association) agree with estimates that radon, especially among smokers, causes thousands of preventable lung cancer deaths every year.

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

FACT: Reliable testing devices are available from qualified radon testers and companies.

MYTH: Homes with radon problems can't be fixed.

FACT: There are simple solutions to radon problems in homes. Hundreds of thousands of homeowners have already fixed radon problems in their homes. Radon levels can be readily lowered for $800 to $2,500 (with an average cost of $1,200)..

MYTH: Radon affects only certain kinds of homes.

FACT: Radon can be a problem in homes of all types. Local geology, construction materials, and how the home was built are among the factors that can affect radon levels in homes.

MYTH: 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 your radon level is to test.

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

FACT: It's not. Radon levels can vary greatly from home to home. The only way to know if your home has a radon problem is to test it.

MYTH: It's difficult to sell homes where radon problems have been discovered.

FACT: Where radon problems have been fixed, home sales have not been blocked or frustrated. The added protection is some times a good selling point.

Schedule Your Inspection with me NOW!

[ Back ]

Home Inspection Plus
PO Box 32
Conway, AR 72033-0032
Telephone: (501) 327-9794
Fax: (501) 513-0561
Email: homeinspectionplus@conwaycorp.net