Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is formed by the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It is a problem in house basements because it can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation, and accumulate to potentially dangerous levels.
Is Radon Gas Dangerous?
Radon gas can be dangerous if it is present in high levels in a home. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon gas can increase the risk of lung cancer. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Surgeon General’s office have both issued warnings about the potential health risks of radon gas. It is estimated that radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, behind smoking. However, not all homes have high levels of radon gas, and the risk can be reduced or eliminated by testing for radon gas and taking steps to reduce levels if they are found to be high.
Can you test for Radon Gas?
Yes, there are several ways to test for radon gas in a home.
- Short-term test kits: These are inexpensive kits that can be purchased at hardware stores or online. They are placed in the home for a period of 2 to 90 days, depending on the kit, and then sent to a lab for analysis.
- Long-term test kits: These kits are placed in the home for more than 90 days, and they provide a more accurate measurement of the average radon levels over a longer period of time.
- Continuous radon monitors: These are devices that can be placed in a home to continuously measure radon levels over a period of several months. They provide real-time data, which can be useful for identifying patterns or changes in radon levels.
- Professional testing: Hiring a professional radon tester to test the radon levels in your home. Professional radon testers are trained to use specialized equipment and methods to accurately measure radon levels in a home.
Radon gas levels can vary from season to season or day to day. Testing for radon gas is the only way to know if radon levels in your home are above the recommended levels.
Shall I Check for Radon Gas When Buying a house?
It is a good idea to check for radon gas when buying a house. Radon gas can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation or other openings, and it can accumulate to potentially dangerous levels over time. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon gas can increase the risk of lung cancer, so it is important to know if a home has high levels of radon gas before you buy it.
You can ask the seller if they have ever had the home tested for radon gas. If they haven’t, you can request for a radon test to be done as a condition of sale. Many professional home inspectors are trained to perform radon testing and can test the home during the home inspection process. If high levels of radon gas are found, the buyer should consider having a radon mitigation system installed to reduce the levels before moving in.
How much it cost to test for Radon gas in basement?
The cost of testing for radon gas can vary depending on the type of test and where you live. Here are a few estimates for common types of radon tests:
- Short-term test kits: These are typically the least expensive option, with prices ranging from $10 to $30.
- Long-term test kits: These tend to cost more than short-term test kits, with prices ranging from $30 to $50.
- Continuous radon monitors: These devices can cost anywhere from $100 to $500.
- Professional testing: The cost of professional radon testing can vary widely, but it typically ranges from $150 to $300.
Cost of radon testing is a small investment compared to the potential health risks and the cost of mitigating a radon problem if high levels are found. Also, if you live in an area with known high radon levels, some states may offer low-cost or free radon testing kits.
Safe levels of Radon gas:
The safe level of radon gas in a home is considered to be 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or lower. However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends taking action to reduce radon levels if they are found to be at or above 4 pCi/L.
If a radon test in a home shows levels at or above 4 pCi/L, a mitigation system should be installed to reduce the levels. The cost of installing a radon mitigation system can vary widely depending on the specific conditions of a home, but on average it can cost between $800 to $2000.
The cost of installing a radon mitigation system can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the home, the type of foundation, the location of the home, and the specific radon reduction techniques used. Some common methods include sealing foundation cracks and other openings, installing a vent pipe and fan to remove radon gas from beneath the house, and depressurizing the soil around the foundation.
Cost of radon mitigation is often less expensive than the potential health risks and the cost of treating lung cancer.