What is radon gas?
Radon gas is a naturally occurring byproduct produced by the breakdown of radium in the soils under and around your home. It is colorless, tasteless, and has no smell. Testing for radon gas is the only way to know if you have it in your home, and HomePro Inspections can provide thorough radon testing.
Radon gas is considered a carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO). The United States EPA considers exposure to radon gas a health risk and has classified it as the number one cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. Smokers who are exposed to radon gas are significantly more likely to develop lung cancer. You can refer to the EPA’s “A Citizens Guide to Radon” for more information.
What is the source of radon gas?
Uranium is found in soils across most of North America. In some areas, concentrations of uranium are high due to geology and glacial deposits. Over time, uranium breaks down and decays, eventually becoming radium. As radium breaks down and decays, it gives off radon gas. Radon gas naturally rises to the surface through gaps and cracks in the soil. If you really want to dig into the uranium decay chain and how it becomes radon gas, follow this link.
The EPA has developed a map that represents the general radon zones, based on studies on the dangers of radon gas and the effects of exposure. As you can see, radon gas levels vary across the United States.
How does radon gas get into my home?
The soil under and around our homes can contain varying levels of radiation. Radon gas can inevitably enter our homes through gaps and cracks in the basement foundations and floor slabs. The higher the concentration and the types of soils under your home, the greater the risk that you will have higher levels of radon gas within the home.
Compared to new construction, homes built before 2000 tend to be quite drafty, and people are less likely to use basements as living spaces. New homes, built to be more energy-efficient and resistant to air leakage, now pose a greater risk of higher radon gas levels.
The photo below is from the EPA‘s “A Citizens Guide to Radon.”
How do I know what the radon gas levels are in my home?
By testing. Testing for radon gas is a simple and relatively inexpensive first step in determining if you have elevated radon gas levels in your home. Testing involves placing a radon measurement device in your home for at least 48 hours. We will conduct this testing under "closed conditions," which means we will close all windows and doors 12 hours before and during the testing period. You are welcome to come and go as usual, but for the majority of the testing period, we'll assume it's winter and keep the doors and windows closed.
What if the radon gas levels are high in my home?
The EPA recommends installing a radon mitigation system in homes that measure 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter). Radon mitigation systems vary depending on your home, foundation type, and radon gas measurement level. A radon mitigation company can design a system that will reduce your home’s radon gas levels, typically below 1.0 pCi/L. Just for reference, ambient radon gas levels are considered to be around 0.4 pCi/L.
In Summary
More than 50% of the homes in Olmsted and surrounding counties have unsafe elevated levels of radon gas. Testing for radon gas is easy and is the first step in protecting your family. Once you know the radon gas levels in your home, you can decide on the best system to mitigate the radon gas if the levels are high.
At HomePro Inspections, our home inspectors are trained to inspect all areas of the home. Your home inspection report documents any issues found and recommends their resolution by you or a qualified professional.
Visit our website to learn more or to schedule your home inspection in the Rochester, Owatonna, and Faribault, MN areas. You can contact us today at (507) 202-8942 or by email, and you can use our convenient online “Schedule Now” feature to schedule an appointment.