Q: What is radon?

A: The short answer is that it’s a naturally occurring, radioactive, odorless, colorless and tasteless gas that is a byproduct of the breakdown of uranium in the soil. There’s a tiny bit of radon in each breath of air we breathe (due to the geology of our region, we tend to get more than our share of radon exposure). It’s also found in groundwater, but soil-borne radon provides the lion’s share of exposure for most folks.

Q: Why is radon a problem?

A: Radon gas becomes a problem when it collects in our homes at higher concentrations; it can be an even greater problem for people who live in or sleep in basements. Our homes are a bit like vacuum cleaners plugged into the Earth. As warm indoor air rises, whether heated by a furnace or the warmth of the sun, a slight vacuum is created at the lowest level of the house, and soil gases, including radon, are drawn in. At elevated levels, indoor radon gas is a thoroughly researched and proven cause of lung cancer. Without getting too technical, the mechanism of lung cancer induction is as follows: radon and radon decay products (also known as “progeny”) are inhaled. Radon is exhaled, but the progeny tend to stick to sensitive lung tissues. These progeny emit alpha particles (sub-atomic particles with mass and energy), which can strike lung cells and cause physical and/or chemical damage to DNA. Have you ever heard about someone passing away from lung cancer that never smoked cigarettes? Radon gas could have been the cause. According to the U.S. EPA, 20,000 deaths per year in America alone are attributed to lung cancer from radon exposure, and radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.* Smokers are even more vulnerable to the dangers of breathing radon gas.

Q: How do I know if I have a problem with radon?

A: You can’t detect radon with your five senses. The only way to know for sure is to test. The EPA recommends that every home in America be tested, as you might have a problem even if your neighbor tested and found low radon levels. Inexpensive DIY test kits are available online or at your local hardware store, or you can enlist the help of a radon professional. When hiring a professional, always look for someone who is independently trained and certified. They will have the knowledge and experience needed to conduct the test in accordance with accepted protocol and answer the many questions that will arise. They can also help you interpret the test results, giving you the information you need to make your next decision. If you are selling a home, the buyer will likely ask to test for radon as part of the real estate transaction. A certified radon professional is the best person to handle the time sensitive aspects of radon testing and real estate transactions.

Q: The test came back, and radon levels are elevated—what do I do now?

A: The EPA “action level” is 4.0 PicoCuries per liter.* If your home tests at or above 4.0, you should contact a specialist who is independently trained and certified to mitigate (lower) the radon levels in your home. Radon mitigation systems work, are cost effective and are widely seen as a home improvement. Properly installed systems can provide additional indoor air quality benefits, such as lowering moisture levels. Shop around and find someone you feel comfortable working with. A reputable mitigation specialist should be glad to spend the time necessary answer your questions.

Elevated indoor radon is a potentially dangerous but “fixable” problem. There is no “safe” amount of radon gas. The health risk is a function of how much and for how long. It’s better to know than to not know, as ignoring it won’t make the danger go away. And, levels can always be lowered so you can increase your odds for a healthier life.

*Source: www.epa.gov.

Greg Peterson is the owner of Meridian Home Inspection, LLC. A 20-year resident of Western North Carolina, he is also a licensed NC Building Contractor, licensed NC Home Inspector, certified Radon Measurement and Radon Mitigation Specialist and enjoys helping people fix radon problems. He can be reached at meridian@bellsouth.net.

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