Radon Information
What is radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas. It is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and chemically inert. Unless you test for it, there is no way of telling how much is present. Radon is formed by the natural radioactive decay of uranium in rock, soil, and water. Naturally existing, low levels of uranium occur widely in Earth's crust. It can be found in all 50 states. Once produced, radon moves through the ground to the air above. Some remains below the surface and dissolves in water that collects and flows under the ground's surface. Unlike radon, the progeny are not gases and can easily attach to dust and other particles. Those particles can be transported by air and can also be breathed. The decay of progeny continues until stable, non-radioactive progeny are formed. At each step in the decay process, radiation is released.
How often is indoor radon a problem?
Nearly one out of every 15 homes has a radon level the EPA considers to be elevated. Because most people spend as much as 90 percent of their time indoors, indoor exposure to radon is an important concern.
How does radon get into a building?
Most indoor radon comes into the building from the soil or rock beneath it. Radon and other gases rise through the soil and get trapped under the building. The trapped gases build up pressure. Once inside, the radon can become trapped and concentrated.
Openings which commonly allow easy flow of the gases in include the following:
Cracks in floors and walls
Gaps in suspended floors
Openings around sump pumps and drains
Cavities in walls and joints in construction materials
Gaps around utility penetrations (pipes and wires)
Crawl spaces that open directly into the building
Radon may also be dissolved in water, particularly well water. After coming from a faucet, about one ten thousandth of the radon in water is typically released into the air. The more radon there is in the water, the more it can contribute to the indoor radon level. Trace amounts of uranium are sometimes incorporated into materials used in construction. These include, but are not limited to concrete, brick, granite, and drywall. Though these materials have the potential to produce radon, they are rarely the main cause of an elevated radon level in a building. While radon problems may be more common in some geographic areas, any home may have an elevated radon level. New and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements can have a problem. Homes below the third floor of a multi-family building are particularly at risk.
Can the radon level in a building's air be predicted?
No, it is not possible to make a reliable prediction. The only way to determine the level is to test. the EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon.Testimonials
I appreciated both your methods and your ability to explain the steps you were taking. I felt there was no part of the house that was overlooked, and enjoyed the time you took to show me the problems you had found, and suggestions you had for fixing it.
Contact Info
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