Radon - what
is it and who should test for it?
Radon is a
by-product of the breakdown of granite bedrock. It is a radioactive gas, a
known carcinogen, and an element that can neither be sensed by human taste nor
smell. It is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers and the second
leading cause of lung cancer for the general population, and it is something
you should be aware of when it comes to protecting yourself and your home.
Radon in
Georgia:
Since radon
comes from the breakdown of granite bedrock, if you live in a region with
limited granite, there will naturally be less radon. Alas - Georgia has great
deal of granite (as evidenced by our monolithic granite landmark known as Stone
Mountain) … and we have radon. There are some areas of Georgia where it is more
prevalent than others, but, in general, it is recommended to test.
Radon in the
environment vs. Radon in your home:
Radon is not a
concern in the natural outdoor environment because it is diluted and dispersed,
but it is a problem in enclosed spaces because it can build-up to levels that
are recognized by the EPA as hazardous (above 4.0 pCi/L). The primary means of
mitigating radon is to provide additional ventilation below the structure
through a system of pipes and fans. While this is not a complex endeavor, it
can be costly, and so testing for the presence of radon in "closed home
conditions" has become more common during the home-buying transaction.
Now that we
have a basic understanding of what radon is, let's take a few moments to answer
some questions and dispel some common myths about radon and radon testing.
"This
neighborhood doesn't have radon, I don't need to test."
Radon can be a
tricky thing. One home can test positive for it, and its neighbor can test
negative. This can be a result of the soils and geologic structure below the
foundation, or it can be related to the foundation itself. It can also be
related to the general "tightness" of the construction of the individual home
itself - at least to some degree.
"We
didn't test back in my day! It must be a gimmick."
As an inspector,
I sometimes hear older agents and well-intended relatives advise my clients
that they never tested for radon during their previous home-purchase,
that it must be a gimmick. The reality is that testing and remediation
has become more prevalent as our society better understands carcinogens and the
built environment, and because of key advancements in technology make testing affordable,
reliable, and fast so that you can make important
decisions as part of your home buying process.
"Results
are not reliable."
I sometimes
hear about client's concerns regarding the security and reliability of the
results. The general concern is that someone will tamper with the device or
open doors and windows. The reality is that our calibrated, computerized
equipment takes an hourly sample - and we can tell if someone has picked up or
played with the unit, if there are unusual spikes due to weather, or if there
are other sudden changes in the home. If there is any question about the
reliability of the data that has been reviewed - standard protocol requires
testing for a longer duration for more data.
"Vapor
barriers block radon, so this house should be fine."
This one is
true… somewhat! Quality vapor barriers and sealing foundation cracks can help
mitigate radon gas, at least to some degree. It is still critical to
test/monitor for radon levels, however. If your levels are especially high to
begin with or drifted higher over time…. you need additional mitigation.
"I have a
system in place already, I don't need a radon test."
Wrong! It is important
to test your existing systems at least every two years to be sure the system is
calibrated and working properly. Contact your system installer or an
independent radon tester (like Cingo!)
If you're
interested in more information on radon, visit the EPAs guideline on Radon
Reduction (https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-02/documents/2013_consumers_guide_to_radon_reduction.pdf)
If you'd like
to learn more about our Radon Testing services, either as part of a home
inspection or an independent evaluation, feel free to call our care center at 1 (855) 919-9090.
About Cingo: The name Cingo means to surround and secure, conveying the company's commitment to home protection. The company has been protecting families in the Southeast since 1974. It provides home protection services throughout Georgia and South Carolina, including Atlanta, Augusta, Charleston, Douglas, Dublin, Milledgeville, Savannah, Vidalia, Waycross and all points in between. Cingo was named a Best Place to Work in Georgia by Georgia Trend Magazine and listed as a National Best & Brightest Company to Work For. Learn more at www.cingohome.com.