Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that naturally occurs as the earth’s radioactive metals (uranium, thorium, or radium) break down in rocks, soils and ground water. Occurring everywhere, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states the average concentration of radon in outdoor air is .4 pCi/L and the average indoor radon concentration for America’s homes is about 1.3 pCi/L – with millions of homes having elevated (4pCi/L or higher) radon levels. According to the Connecticut Post, it is estimated that 1 in 3 CT homes have elevated radon levels, whereas across the U.S. that number is only about 1 in 15 homes.
And long-term exposure to elevated levels of radon gas can cause lung cancer, in fact, the EPA states it's the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. To mitigate your risk, it is recommended that you test your home for radon every two years, and retest any time you make structural changes, or occupy a previously unused level of a house. Radon levels change every day and are very affected by the weather and factors such as someone working on the nearby ground (new construction, pool addition, etc.)
Professional testing is often done as part of a home inspection in conjunction with a home sale/purchase. However, home test kits (approved by the EPA) are readily available, starting at $15 for a 48 hour - four day test kit, covering a single floor. Radon levels are likely to be the highest at the lowest level of your home, so it is recommended that you start there. If the results show levels of 4 pCi/L or more, you should take a long term radon test (using a different technology, called Alpha Track) that tracks exposure for a minimum of 90 days and a maximum of 365 days. If these readings are consistently 4 pCi/L or above, take steps to remedy the problem as soon as possible!
As always, we advise only working with a professional for remediation. Ask to see their certification from the National Radon Safety Board or the National Radon Proficiency Program. If you need a recommendation, please give us a call.
Such professionals can install active or passive depressurization systems which draw the radon gas from below your home and expel it into the outside air. The cost for these systems typically range from $771 and $1,179, but can be as high as $3,000 for a large home or property with multiple foundations, according to HomeAdvisor. Sealing cracks in your basement or installing vapor barriers in crawl spaces can also be helpful.
While January is officially Radon-testing month, Radon levels tend to be the highest during the months of November through March, while the house is closed up. No time like the present to take a measurement!