Do I Have Radon?
What gas is tasteless, colorless and odorless, but can seep into your environment to cause illness or even death? Radon, a radioactive gas that originates from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks, “can get into the air you breathe within your home and into your drinking water,” warns Mike Lewis, owner of Certified Radon Specialist during January’s National Radon Awareness Month.
It can get into any type of building – “new and old, well-sealed and drafty, and buildings with or without basements,” Mr. Lewis points out. The gas can move up through the ground to the air above and into a building through foundation cracks and other holes.
The gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in United States (tobacco use is first). About 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States can be attributed to radon. The risk of lung cancer is especially high if you are a smoker living in a home with high radon levels.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates nearly one out of every 15 American homes has indoor radon levels at or above the recommended guideline of 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L) on a yearly average, reports the director. “With this estimate, radon is becoming an issue that is discussed when questions are brought up regarding overall health effects.” Recent statistics compiled by the University of Toledo show an average radon concentration of 4.2 pico-Curies of radiation per liter of air ( pCi/l ) when analyzing Hamilton, Butler, Clermont, and Warren Ohio Counties combined levels.
Radon can only be detected by conducting a short- or long-term test. Although there are several types of do-it-yourself test kits that may be purchased at larger home improvement and department, a professional test can insure accuracy and is widely accepted as part of the home inspection process. “A short-term test typically takes from 48-72 hours. A long-term test must be performed for at least 91 days.”
Mr. Lewis recommends that a home buyer demand a radon test as part of the home inspection and should be conducted by a State licensed radon tester.” Residents need not panic if tests are positive. “If high radon levels are detected in your home, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family,” says Lewis. “Radon problems can be fixed by qualified contractors for a cost similar to that of many common home repairs, such as painting or having a new water heater installed.”
Persons discovering the gas in their homes should remain calm. “If there is a higher radon level, it should not be assumed that the individuals living in the home have lung cancer. Long-term exposure would be the concern.” If exposed to radon, a person should contact a health care provider about lung cancer risk.
For more information about radon contact Certified Radon Specialist at (513) 251-1429 or email Mike or Bernadette Lewis at radontestpro@aol.com.
