Radon Gas

What is it? Can I Have a Radon Inspection?

Radon is a radioactive gas. It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. Any home may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.

Radon from soil gas is the main cause of radon problems. Sometimes radon enters the home through well water. (See EPA site for more info) In a small number of homes, the building materials can give off radon, too. However, building material rarely cause radon problems by themselves.

Nearly one out of fifteen homes in the U.S. is estimated to have elevated radon levels. Elevated levels of radon gas have been found in homes in your state. Contact your state radon office (numbers listed below) for general information about radon in your area. High radon problems maybe more common in some areas, any home may have a problem. The only way to know about your home is to test.

Radon can also be a problem in schools and work places. Ask your state radon office, (see numbers listed below) about radon problems in schools., daycare and childcare facilities and workplaces in your area.

Fix your home if your radon level is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher. These tests can often times be performed by your Home Inspector. Contact them for more information on testing and mitigation procedures for Radon.

Ways to reduce radon in your home are discussed in EPA’s Consumer’s Guide to Radon Reduction. You can get a copy from your state radon office, or view it on line at www.epa.gov/radon/pubs .

The above information was provided by the EPA A Citizen’s Guide to Radon.

For more information visit : www.epa.gov/radon

Hotline

1-800-55RADON (557-2366)

Operated by the National Safety Council in partnership with EPA, Order

radon test kits by phone.