GREENER LIVING with 'Dr. G'
aka Gary 'Dr. G' Ginsberg
Toxicology Expert * Consumer Advocate * Talk Radio Advisor
Radon is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer behind tobacco. In fact, its action on the lung is synergized (e.g. 1+1=3) by cigarette smoke. RADON can be a health risk in just about any home or neighborhood.
There is no way to predict with certainty whether your home is radon free. Fortunately, it is easy to detect and stop. TESTING is essential and very inexpensive.
1) Purchase a radon test kit at a hardware store and follow label directions.
2) Open canniser and leave out in a basement area that has windows closed for several days.
3) Seal back up and ship to the lab address for analysis.
4) When you get the results, here's how to interpret them.
The safety cutoff for radon is 4 pCi/liter. That means that in one liter of air (think of a balloon that when full reaches the size of a quart) there are 4 units of this radioactive gas. Background level exist even outdoors and are generally below 1.0 pCi/liter. The closer your result is to 1 pCi/liter the better. Only results ove 4 pCi/liter merit fixing.
To SUMMARIZE:
RADON < 1 pCi/L - you are at background so no problem
RADON 1-4 pCi/L - a little elevated but livable
RADON > 4 pCi/L - over the risk baseline - fix immediately
HOW TO FIX and PREVENT RADON from entering your home.
A radon result of 4 pCi/L or more means you are at an elevated risk for lung cancer. Fortunately there is a simple solution. Youcan stop radon entry by installing a sub-slab suction system. This system is relatively simple, composed of pipes and a fan. It pulls radon our of the ground and channels it outdoors. Since it is installed under your foundation, it keeps radon out of your basement. A radon mitigation firm can usually install such a system for under $2,000.
Radon mitigation contractors should be certified to do the work. Manay states keep a listing of certified radion contractors. To find one in your area, go to USEPA'S radon website. Use the following link fo rmore information on selecting a radon contractor.
How to Test for Radon (Note: If you live in a 2nd floor apartment or higher, you are not at risk.)
1) Purchase a radon test kit at a hardware store.
2) Follow label instructions. Open the cannister and leave out in the basement area that has had the windows closed for several days. Refer to your test product label.
3) Once this has been completed to the product specifications, seal the cannister and ship to the lab address for analysis.
4) When you get the results back, learn how to interpret them below:
The SAFETY CUTOFF for radon is 4 pCi/liter. That means in one liter of air (think of a balloon what when full reaches the size of a quart) there are 4 units of this radioactive gas.
Background levels exist even outdoors and are generally below 1.0 pCi/liter. The closer your result is to 1 pCi/liter the better. Only results over 4 pCi/liter merit fixing.
To Summarize:
Radon < 1 pCi/L - you are at no risk
Radon 1-4 pCi/L - somewhat elevated but livable
Radon > 4 pCi/L - over the risk cutoff - fix immediately
IF YOUR HOME'S RADON LEVEL IS OVER 4 pCi/L - You are at an elevated risk for lung cancer.
FIXING IT is EASY - HERE'S HOW!
You can stop radon entry by installing a sub-slab suction system. This is a relatively simple system composed of pipes and a fan. It pulls radon out of the ground and channels it to the outdoor air. Since it is installed under your foundation, it keeps radon out of your basement. A 'Radon Mitigation' firm can usually install such a system for under $2,000.
Rado mitigation contractors should be certified to do the work. Many states keep a listing of certified radon contractors. To find one in your area, go to the USEPA's radon website. Use the following link for more information on selecting a radon contractor.
RADON in your DRINKING WATER
Soil gas is not the only potential source of radon in your home. Find out if radon could be coming from your drinking water.
Radon in drinking water can cause a high radon result in your home's air. Radon evaporates from water into the air - with 10,000 pCi/L in water causing the air result to go up by about 1 pCi/L.
Fixingyour home's radon problem may mean putting a RADON FILTER on the water. This will only be necessary if:
1) You are on a private well or small public water supply
2) The radon in your tap water is 10,000 pCi/L or greater.
Click here to learn more and find out HOW to TEST for RADON in WATER
MORE TIPS on RADON TESTING.
