RADON is Something You Also May Not Realize You Have

You can’t see, smell or taste radon, but the gas is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America. Radon created by the naturally occurring uranium that you would find in soil or water, normally associated with mountains, particularly areas with hot or “radium” springs.

Radon could be making you sick – testing your home

And with so many of us spending so much time indoors right now, it’s something you may not realize is making you sick. 

In North Carolina, radon is emitted at varying levels and in different locations, according to the Department of Public Health. The Piedmont and mountain counties are estimated to have the greatest proportion of homes with elevated levels of radon. In the western region, homes in Buncombe and Henderson counties have historically high radon levels, ranking level 1 on the scale measuring exposure. That ranking, based on actual data gathered from area homes, suggests that these counties have the highest potential for a predicted average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter).

Inside the home, levels of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or more require action. If a home has gaps or cracks in crawlspaces or in the foundation, the likelihood increases that radon will be drawn into indoor air.

Unfortunately, every home in North Carolina is prone to having a level of radon gas, and radon levels may vary seasonally. The N.C. Radon Program recommends that all homes be tested, as radon erodes lung health and increases risk for lung cancer.

Exposure claims the lives of about 21,000 Americans each year, according to the EPA.

Many of my clients ask me to check the radon levels in their homes, and others choose the do-it-yourself approach. Either way, placing radon sampling devices in your home is a good preventative measure to consider.

For short term measurements, I suggest placing the device on Wednesday or Thursday, then leaving it to “sniff” the indoor air quality that your family members breathe daily. Then, on Monday, it’s time to collect the devices and determine whether radon is a factor in your home.

After collection, devices are sent to a lab to get the results report. My clients either rest assured that their family is safe from radon, or learn that radon exposure is a healthiness issue inside their home.

If a radon test reveals unsafe levels, a second test is likely needed, long-term tests may be indicated, or both. When there’s proof of radon indoors, I make certain each homeowner understands the steps he or she needs to take to protect themselves and their families, ensuring optimal health for the client and family at home.

Radon is an everybody problem.

I can’t express how grateful I am for the time we spent together yesterday. I was extremely impressed by your knowledge, expertise and thoroughness. In addition, I so much appreciated the time you took to explain things to me in an understandable way. That’s a gift. I have already received calls from “Radon Stan” and Five Star, and have scheduled appointments with both. I will be in touch within the next several months to begin a conversation about a new Hvac system. I would appreciate your input. Truly an extraordinary experience yesterday and worth every penny.