Has Your Home Been Tested for Radon?

Have you ever heard of radon?  Well, it’s a big deal and particularly prevalent in the Knoxville area.

I am the farthest from an alarmist, however this odorless, colorless gas and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. And the crazy part is that you won’t know if your home has unsafe levels unless you’ve tested for it.

Read below to learn more about radon, how to test for it in your home, and how to remediate it if you have high levels.

What Is Radon And Why Is It A Problem?

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium soil, rock and water. It moves up through the ground and into the air above. Radon is naturally occurring in very small amounts in free flowing outdoor air. Because it is diluted, it generally does not pose a problem.

So what’s the issue? Radon can enter your home through any foundation cracks or holes. It can also enter your home through well water. If an excessive amount of radon is entering the home, or if the home is not properly ventilated, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels.

As radon decays, it produces radioactive particles. When breathed in, these particles deposit on the cell lining of the airways, causing DNA damage and potentially leading to lung cancer. There are many factors that determine your risk of radon related cancer including the concentration of radon, the amount of time spent in a radon contaminated space, and your own genetic and lifestyle factors (smokers are more susceptible due to a cumulative effect).

According to the EPA, nearly one in 15 homes in the U.S. has an elevated radon level of 4 pCi/L.  Any type of home in any state and any neighborhood can have a radon problem, however the Knoxville area has been known to have higher than average indoor radon levels (see the EPA’s map here).

I recommend that everyone test their home for radon. Even if you are in a “low” zone. Even if your neighbors house is fine. The only way to know for sure for your own home is to test.

Testing For Radon

Testing for radon is actually easy and not complicated. It’s important to test the lower levels of your home, i.e. those below the third floor.

You can purchase or order online devices to test for radon, or you can hire a qualified radon tester to come to your home. Some devices may be more appropriate for your needs and testing conditions. Make sure you are getting a reliable testing device.

Types of testing devices:

Passive devices – Don’t require power and are exposed to the air in your home for a specified period of time and then sent to a lab for analysis. Some devices are better at resisting test interference or disturbances. This can include charcoal canisters, alpha-track detectors, charcoal liquid scintillation devices, electret ion chamber devices.

Tennessee has created the “Tennessee Radon Program” which will equip every home with a FREE passive radon test kit!

Active devices – Require power and measure and record the amount of radon or its decay products in the air. Many can provide a report and also indicate if there are any swings in radon levels during the test period. Some also have anti-interference features. These active devices cost more than the passive ones. Includes continuous radon monitors and continuous working level monitors.

Short-term testing is typically from a minimum of 48 hours to 90 days. This type of testing may be something that a home buyer may request before purchasing a home, or if there are other time restraints other than a real estate transaction.

Long-term testing typically lasts more than 90 days, and will usually provide a year-round average radon level.

No matter what type of testing you conduct, it’s important for family members to follow directions carefully and to keep any interference to a minimum so you can get reliable results.

Fixing High Radon Levels

The EPA recommends fixing your home if levels are between 2 and 4 pCi/L or more. The average indoor radon level is about 1.3 pCi/L. Remember that high levels of radon in your home is a health risk and a leading cause of lung cancer.

Don’t think that it’s complicated or expensive to fix any radon problems. It can be done without making major changes to your home, and the cost can be comparable to other home repairs.

High levels can be reduced several ways, including sealing cracks or installing venting pipes and fans or sub slab suction. Get estimates from radon mitigation contractors. They can determine the most appropriate system for your home.

Radon and Home Renovation

Before you embark on any major home renovation, get your indoor radon levels checked. This is especially true if you are renovating a basement or lower level room in your home. And test your radon levels after you have completed any work since levels can change.

Also, it is better and less expensive to install a radon-reduction system during your renovations than afterward.

Let me know if you have any questions about radon testing, especially if you are thinking of selling in the near future!

https://www.epa.gov/radon/

https://www.epa.gov/radon/find-information-about-local-radon-zones-and-state-contact-information

https://www.epa.gov/radon/publications-about-radon