Radon Gas
So what is radon gas? Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is invisible odorless and permeates through the soil. Any type home is at risk for high levels of radon gas including homes with slab or crawlspace foundations. Basement homes can have high levels as the soil excavation process can open up “pockets” of radon gas. The radon gas levels can even vary between adjoining homes. Radon gas can be found in schools and commercial property as well. Generally speaking, any structure should be tested.
Radon gas can enter a structure through cracks in solid floors, construction joints, cracks in walls, gaps around service pipes, cavities in walls and through the water supply.
Radon gas is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
* Radon is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year, according to EPA's 2003 Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R-03-003). The numbers of deaths from other causes are taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 1999-2001 National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Report and 2002 National Safety Council Reports
* Lifetime risk of lung cancer deaths from EPA Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R-03-003). Data listed is from the US EPA (EPA.gov/radon)
High levels of radon gas can be remedied through a mitigation system and can reduce the levels by up to 99%. On a national average 1 in 15 homes have high levels of radon gas and the only way to determine if it is present is through testing.
See www.epa.gov/radon/ for more information.
Ed Harrington & Associates
Complete Home Inspection Services
919 329-0302
