If you are considering having your
home tested for radon, please give Bass Home Inspections a call. Edwin Bass is a Radon Measurement Specialist (certification
number #12SS015) certified by The National Radon Safety Board.
Bass Home
Inspections uses the Rad-Elec E-Perm measurement system to measure radon in homes. This system is considered one of
the most accurate and flexible radon testing systems available. We can deliver radon results to you quickly without
the expense and time involved with sending canisters to the lab. You can rest assured that Bass Home Inspections will
handle your radon measurement needs with professionalism and the quickness you desire.
Commonly Asked Radon Questions
What is Radon?
Radon is a
cancer causing radioactive gas that you cannot see, smell, or taste. It is estimated that 1 in 15 homes in the United
States have high levels of radon, and it could be an issue in your home. Radon gas is the result of naturally
decaying uranium in the soil and the riocks. When radon is emitted to the outside air, it presents no problems
and it disipates naturally. However, when radon gas gets into a home's living or working area, it can accumulate and
poise a health hazard. Radon is the nation's second leading cause of lung cancer. It is estimated to cause 21,000
deaths per year. The EPA recommends all homes be tested for radon.
How Does
Radon Get Into a Home?
Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air
above and into a home through cracks in the foundation. It can come through cracks in solid floors, construction joints,
and walls. It can also come through gaps in suspended floors and around service pipes. It can also come through
the water supply. A home traps the radon inside where it can build up. Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes has elevated
radon levels.
What to do About Radon
The EPA recommends taking action on your home if you have two short-term test where the average value is 4 pCi/L
or higher. Further, they recommend you consider taking action on your home if the radons levels are between 2 and 4
pCi/L. The EPA feels that are several simple solutions exists to help lower or eliminate the radon levels in a home.
The cost for radon remidiation can run between $500-$2500. There are several diffenert methods of radon remediation-
the method used depends on the design of your home and other factors.
Reducing radon
levels requires technical knowledge and special skills. You should use a contractor that is certified and/or licensed.
Please feel free to contact me for the names of radon contractors I recommend.
For more information on radon, visit the EPA
site on radon. You can contact the North Carolina State Radon Agency at 919-571-4141. Radon and Home Sales
More and more, home buyers are asking about radon levels
before they buy a home. Because real estate sales happen quickly, sometimes there is little time to deal with radon
and other issues. The best thing to do is to test for radon now and save the results in case a buyer is interested in
them. Fix a problem if there is one so it will not complicate the selling of the home later.
Radon and Water
If your home has tested and has elevated radon levels, and
your water comes from a well, have the water tested for radon as well. As a general rule, you are at more risk
with radon entering the house from the soil than from the water. Most studies show that you are most at risk when showering,
and the radon is released into the air from the water. If your well water has tested positive, it can be easily fixed.
Radon Myths
Myth:
Scientists aren't sure radon really is a problem.
Fact: Although some scientists dispute the exact number of deaths attributed to radon, all major health organizations
(American Medical Association, American Lung Association, Centers for Disease Control) agree that radon causes thousands of
preventable lung cancer deaths every year.
Myth: Radon
is only a problem in certain areas of the country.
Fact:
High radon levels have been found in all 50 states. Radon levels do vary from area to
area, but the only way to know your radon level is to test.
Myth:
A neighbor's test result is a good indication of wheather your home has a problem.
Fact: It's not. Radon levels vary from home to home.
Myth: I've lived in my home for so long. It does not make since to take action.
Fact: When radon issues have been taken care
of, home sales have not been blocked. The added protection is a good selling point.
