RADON
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RADON IN AIR
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WHAT IS IT?
By now you have probably heard of the naturally occurring, invisible,
odorless radioactive soil gas called radon that seeps up out of the
ground in parts of this country. Like other areas of the U.S., the
Northeast is susceptible to this problem. Almost all houses have radon,
it's a question of how much.
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WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT?
If the house is located over high radon soil of rock, then unacceptable
levels of radon may accumulate in the house. High enough exposure to
radon for long enough periods of time may increase one's chance of
getting lung cancer.
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WHAT DO I DO NOW?
Have a screening test for radon in air performed. This should tell you
if the radon level in the house you are buying is low, high or
borderline. Most Home Inspectors can administer the radon test for you.
Be sure the inspector is state certified to conduct the test if
applicable.
Since radon in air levels vary substantially from hour to hour, day to
day and season to season for various reasons, do not think of your test
results as a hard number. These are screening tests.
Radon mitigation systems are available (at a usual cost of less than
$1,000) for houses with high readings. A radon mitigation system
consists of a pipe and fan which draws air from under the basement floor
thus preventing radon from coming into the house.
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WHAT DO I DO WHEN I OWN THE HOUSE?
Live normally and enjoy the home.
While the actual radon level will fluctuate up and down over time,
chances are there will not be a systematic trend toward more or less
radon. Nevertheless, retesting every few years is worthwhile.
If you have a radon mitigation system, check the built-in monitor from
time to time to make sure the system continues to operate. It would also
be prudent to test the radon level in the house every few years to make
sure the system's operation remains effective.
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RADON IN WELL WATER
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WHAT IS IT?
It is the same invisible radioactive gas that can seep into a house
through the basement. Since water wells are drilled deep into the
water-bearing rock, the water absorbs radon if radon is present in that
rock.
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WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT?
When you use water (particularly for showering), the radon is released
into the air. Breathing the radon is unhealthy, as described on the
previous page.
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WHAT DO I DO NOW?
Have the well water tested for radon by a lab. Most Home Inspectors can
administer this for you. If the radon level in the well is elevated,
there are reliable treatment systems available to eliminate it. A more
detailed discussion of what constitutes "elevated" is
available from our office (Homespek 433-1875 in RI, 1-800-260-LOOK in
MA, CT).
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WHAT DO I DO WHEN I OWN THE HOUSE?
Live normally and enjoy the home.
While theoretically, the radon in the well should not change
systematically over time, it might be best to retest every few years
just to be sure.
If you have a radon in well water reduction system, have it serviced from
time to time, consistent with the recommendations of the installer. |