What Homeowners Should Know About Radon

February 20, 2014- About one in 15 homes in the US contain radon, a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that’s linked to 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Because radon lurks in nearly all soil, it can creep into holes or cracks in the walls or foundation of any home.

Radon risks increase in winter, when tightly closed windows and today’s better-sealed homes help trap radon indoors and let levels rise high enough to be harmful. Here are some ways to keep radon from becoming a problem:

  • If you’re buying a home, know the radon risk level. High radon levels have been found in all 50 states, but it’s more prevalent in some regions than others. Check the maps on the EPA website for concentration levels.
  • Be sure your home inspection includes a radon test. Radon tests should be conducted in the lowest level of the home. A radon level of 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L) means you’ll need a qualified radon mitigation contractor, according to the EPA, though even levels between 2 and 4 pCi/L are a concern.
  • Consider a radon-resistant home. Vent pipes and radon-retardant sheeting are but two of the features more new home builders are using. Those same techniques also help reduce radon levels in older homes.
  • If you’re selling a home,
test for radon before putting your home on the market. You’re better off finding -- and alleviating -- a radon problem now than having it derail the sale later. The best way to test for radon is to hire a pro. But you can get an initial estimate on your own with a radon test kit.
  • Tell buyers what you’ve done to lower radon levels. If you’ve tested your home for radon or installed a radon-reduction system, share the results and your system's operation and maintenance with your buyer.
  • Check radon regulations for your area. If your state or local government requires disclosure of radon information to buyers, they may ask for a new test, especially if the last test was done more than two years ago, or if you’ve remodeled since the last test (which can affect radon levels).

Carnow Conibear is the only commercially licensed radon testing firm in Chicago. For more information on the services offered by Carnow Conibear please contact us at (800) 860-4486.

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Carnow Conibear and Associates is a demonstrated leader in the occupational and environmental health professions since 1975. To find out more, click here or call us at (800) 860-4486.