Radon is the gas produced by decaying uranium in the soil. Prolonged exposure to it over some time can cause lung cancer. It is even considered as the second cause of lung cancer next to smoking. This is not something to be panicked about though as there are measures that can be taken to avoid such harmful exposure.
The area where your new house is built may have a high level of radon. Early detection means early mitigation. The thing is that it cannot be seen by the naked eye or smelled as it does not have a distinct smell like other gases. The good thing though is that there are tests that can be administered by you or by a professional like VRK Radon to inspect whether your new house has a high level of it.
Below are some inspection tips that you may follow:
1. Get to Know the Gas Levels
This is a vital part of the preparatory stage of your inspection. You must at least have an idea as to which level you must take immediate mitigation.
Radon is measured by picocuries per liter. As per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), you must take action if the level is at four pCi/L. However, it does not mean though that below 4 level of radon is safe. With the BEIR IV study, reduction of the actionable level to 2 pCi/L will significantly reduce the deaths due to lung cancer.
The WHO Handbook on Indoor Radon: A Public Health Perspective adopts 2.7 pCi/L as actionable level.
2. Ask if Radon Test is Done on the Property
Before you move into your new house, make sure to ask the broker or owner if the radon test was previously done. If it has been done then ask for the test result to ensure your family’s safety.
This is a good-to-know information, if the seller didn’t test the house before the sale, then they are liable to pay for the radon mitigation if you find out that the level is on the actionable rate.
3. Opt for a Short-Term Test
If a radon test hasn’t been previously done then choose a short-term test for you to identify in the meantime what the level is in your house. The test will last from two to ninety days using a testing kit that you can purchase from hardware stores.
These are few essential things you need to do in trying the test:
- Keep your house in a closed condition for 24 hours before the day of the testing.
- Write the time and date when you opened the radon kit and when you sealed the test kit.
- Use two or more testing kits if you have a big house.
After the test, send the sealed testing kit to the laboratory preferably via expedited shipping. You will get the test result in 3-7 days after the laboratory has received the kit.
4. Test from the Lowest Level of Your House
Place the testing kit at the lowest level of your house. If your basement is being used as a playroom or your personal working space, then test there. If it is for storage, then test on the next level which is the first floor.
Do not test in damp places like the laundry room, bathroom, or kitchen. Walls that are moistened can absorb some of the gas thus the tendency of incorrect radon level reading.
5. Do a Second Test for High Radon Level
If the radon level on your first test is 4 pCi/L or higher, having a long-term test that lasts more than 90 days is advisable since radon level changes over time. Doing a long-term test allows you to observe the consistency of the level.
However, if you don’t have the luxury of time then just do a second short-term test, then it is time that you get your house fixed before it’s too late.
As it has always been, precaution is better than cure. Radon can be anywhere so as other health risks, the key is early detection, so measures are taken ahead of time, too. It pays to be educated about it and even benefits you more if you will take the time to check on your house.
If you think you really don’t have the time, then get a professional to do it for you. Some money spent on keeping your family safe is worth it.
