Radon can seep into various types of structures, including but not limited to basements, slabs and crawl spaces. You should test a home whether you are buying or selling as well as before and after renovations. For a new home, ask if radon-resistant construction features were used and if the home has been tested. About one in 15 homes in the U.S. has radon levels at or above the Environmental Protection Agency action level, according to the National Cancer Institute.
It may take years before health problems appear. Your chances of getting lung cancer from radon depend mostly on:
- How much radon is in your home
- Where you spend most of your time (the main living and sleeping areas)
- The amount of time you spend in your home
- Whether you are a smoker or have ever smoked
Test Your Home
Old homes, new homes, homes with basements and homes without basements can have radon problems. Testing is the only way to determine how much radon is present.
Consider hiring a professional tester. Short-term (2-90 day) and long-term (more than 90-day) test kits are available, with the long-term kit producing more accurate results. The EPA website can help you find a radon test kit or measurement and mitigation professional near you. Do-it-yourself test kits also are available at many local hardware stores.
Reduce Radon Gas in Your Home
The American Cancer Society says a variety of methods can be used to reduce radon gas levels in your home, including sealing cracks in floors and walls and increasing ventilation though sub-slab depressurization using pipes and fans. Always test again after the work is finished and then every two years.
Here are the 10 US states with the highest radon levels:
- Alaska (10.7)
- South Dakota (9.6)
- Pennsylvania (8.6)
- Ohio (7.8)
- Washington (7.5)
- Kentucky (7.4)
- Montana (7.4)
- Idaho (7.3)
- Colorado (6.8)
- Iowa (6.1)
Based on the United States Environmental Protection Agency data, there are 1 in 3 homes checked in seven states that had high radon levels. This means the gas exceeded the recommended action level for radon exposure which is four pCi/L. Take note that the PCI in “pCi/L” is a picocurie. It is one trillionth of a curie and measures the rate of radioactive decay of radon.
If you are curious which states have low radon levels, they are as follow:
- Arizona
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
For more details or to find test kits and professionals, visit the EPA website. Taking proactive steps can ensure your home is a safe, healthy environment for you and your family.
