Radon F.A.Q.
Q. What is Radon?
Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas emitted from uranium, a naturally occurring mineral in rocks and soil. It is produced from the natural breakdown of uranium in both soil and water. Radon gas can enter any type of building whether it is new construction or an older structure – energy efficient home or a drafty home – structures with basements and structures without.
Q. Why Should I Be Concerned About Radon?
Radon gas is released into the air we breathe and because we spend large quantities of time indoors, exposure to high levels of radon over time can pose a serious health risk to you and your family. Radon gas can enter into homes or other buildings and can accumulate to dangerous levels. The Surgeon General has warned that exposure to radon gas is the number two leading cause of lung cancer. Smoking remains the number one cause of lung cancer.
Q. How Do I Know If I Have A Radon Problem?
The only way to know is to have your house tested. You can not see, taste, or smell radon gas but its presence could cause potentially serious health issues.
Q. How Does Radon Enter The Home?
The air pressure inside your home is lower than the pressure in the surrounding soil. Because of this difference in pressure your house acts like a vacuum, pulling the radon gas inside through cracks and other openings in your home. Radon may also be present in well water and can be released into the air in your home when water is used for showering and other household uses.
Q. What Level Of Radon Is Too Much?
The EPA has stated that all homes should be tested for radon and that all homes testing 4.0 pCi/L or higher, should undertake radon reduction measures.
Q. What If I find High Levels of Radon?
In the majority of situations it is relatively easy to determine the problem and put into place measures to permanently reduce the levels of radon in your property. Even high amounts of radon can be brought down to acceptable levels. If elevated concentrations of radon are found you should contact a state approved radon mitigation contractor for further information. A typical mitigation system can cost between $ 800 to $ 1200, and the energy cost for running the fan will average around $ 100 per year. You must also test your home again after any mitigation system is installed to insure it is operating efficiently. Also, test every 2 years to insure that the unit is working properly and that you are being protected.
Q. How Do I Test For Radon?
Contact me, I am Licensed with the State of Illinois to perform Radon Measurements. State licensees must follow quality assurance and EPA measurement procedures and have demonstrated the ability to take reliable measurements with specific devices. The tests are non-invasive, harmless, and oftentimes can be accomplished in as little as 48 hours.
License
Links
- Illinois Radon Publications
- Radon in Realestate (pdf)
- Realestate Radon Test Guidelines
- NHI Radon Press Release
Got Questions? Concerns?
Don't Wait!
Contact Us Today !
Ph: 630-212-8492
Email: jblradongas@hotmail.com
We Service All Chicagoland Counties:
- Dupage County
- Cook County
- Will County
- Kane County
- Lake County
- McHenry County
- Everywhere!
