What is radon gas? Is it dangerous?
According to the EPA, Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. Radon gas is inert, colorless and odorless. Radon is naturally in the atmosphere in trace amounts.
Outdoors, radon disperses rapidly and, generally, is not a health issue. Most radon exposure occurs inside homes, schools and workplaces. Radon gas becomes trapped indoors after it enters buildings through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Indoor radon can be controlled and managed with proven, cost-effective techniques.
Breathing radon over time increases your risk of lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Nationally, the EPA estimates that about 21,000 people die each year from radon-related lung cancer. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths.
EPA guidance suggests mitigating if levels are at or above 4 pCi/L. Usually, radon problems are fixed using an underground ventilation system or by increasing the rate of air changes in the building.
What does EPA recommend?
If you are buying a home or selling your home, have it tested for radon.
For a new home, ask if radon-resistant construction features were used and if the home has been tested.
Fix the home if the radon level is 4 picocuries per liter, or pCi/L, or higher.
Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a risk, and in many cases, may be reduced.
In Wisconsin it is important to make sure your new home has safe levels of Radon, and even over time conduct periodic tests to ensure the home still has safe levels. Contact us at Pine Bluff Home Inspections for more information on Radon and Radon testing.
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