Central Virginia is an area known to have radon gas levels that exceed the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) actionable limit. Yet many homeowners have never tested for the presence and volume of radon that may be hiding in their homes. What is radon gas? Is radon gas commonly found in Central Virginia homes? Is it dangerous? What can you do if radon is detected? Let us break down these - and many more questions - in our step-by-step guide geared to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy in your dream home. In this in-depth guide, we’ll answer these questions:
By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to stay safe and healthy from a little-known silent killer. What is radon gas?
Radon is a radioactive gas that is found in soil, rocks, and water. The amount of gas that seeps from the earth can vary based on season, temperature, and environment. Since it is naturally occurring, radon levels are unpredictable and vary over time. Is radon gas commonly found in Central Virginia? Due to the abundance of uranium in the soil and rock in Richmond and its neighboring counties, it is not uncommon for homes in our area to test positive for radon gas. In fact, the Central Virginia area is predominantly categorized as Zone 1 – an area with the highest potential concentration of radon - by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Radon Zones Map. Is radon gas dangerous? According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) website, “Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to EPA estimates. Overall, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. About 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked.” With indoor radon being the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States – smoking being the leading cause – one would think there would be a great awareness of the health risks associated with radon exposure. However, many homeowners have no idea that the Surgeon General’s office in their National Health Advisory on Radon indicates that one in every fifteen households nationwide has a radon concentration at or above the EPA’s recommended radon action level. The EPA’s actionable level of radon in a home is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). This does not mean, however, that average levels under 4 pCi/L shouldn't be addressed, too - especially if a homeowner has concerns about radon gas or a history of cancer. More information on the health impacts of radon exposure can be found on the EPA’s site. How do I know if my home has dangerous radon levels? Since radon gas levels can vary depending on the environment around the home, homeowners should be aware that rainy days, weather patterns, and general environmental variations can increase or decrease the levels in a home at any time. Thorough testing will provide the needed information to assess your home’s safety. While one-time professional testing is helpful, homeowners may opt to monitor levels throughout the year as well. How do I test to see if my home has radon gas? Testing for radon gas in your home is simple. Professional radon testing companies provide this valuable service and offer along with it valuable insight and expertise. The EPA’s website links to approved professional testers as well as test kit ordering. There are even discounted testing kits through the National Radon Program Services at Kansas State University. Also, devices that monitor radon levels continuously can be purchased at the click of a button through popular shopping sites like Amazon. Where do I install my radon test and how long should it run? Professionals suggest testing be conducted on the lowest level of your home that is regularly occupied, such as a basement or first floor. The testing window should be at least 48 hours with the testing device not being disturbed by movement, open doors and windows, or other conditions that can skew testing outcomes. Once a professional test is complete, the device is sent to a laboratory for analysis or can even be analyzed on-site. A report is provided to the homeowner with a detailed analysis of radon levels inside your home. What is the actionable radon level? If radon levels in your home are at or above the 4 pCi/L actionable level set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the EPA recommends you take steps to reduce the levels of radon in your home. However, many homeowners – especially at-risk homeowners – may elect to mitigate radon even below the actionable level to play it safe. It's also important to note that even if your home has been tested in the past and found to have low levels of radon, it's still recommended to retest your home every few years since radon levels can fluctuate over time. What mitigation techniques can I use to reduce radon levels in my home? If unsafe levels of radon are detected in your home, homeowners can take actionable steps to protect themselves and their families from the harmful effects of radon exposure. One of the most effective methods for reducing radon levels in a home is by installing a radon mitigation system. Radon mitigation systems can use varying methods to effectively mitigate radon gas, with the most common being active soil depressurization (ASD) and sub-slab depressurization. ASD involves creating suction in the soil beneath the home by installing a vent pipe and a fan, which draws the radon gas from the soil and vents it safely outside. This method is highly effective and can reduce radon levels in a home by up to 99%. Sub-slab depressurization, on the other hand, involves installing a vent pipe through the foundation floor to draw radon gas from beneath the home and vent it outside. This method - typically used when a home has a basement or crawl space like many homes in Central Virginia - can be highly effective in reducing radon levels. Other methods for reducing radon levels in a home may include sealing foundation cracks and gaps, improving ventilation, and installing radon-resistant features during new home construction. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of these methods can vary depending on the specific situation. Consult with a licensed radon mitigation professional to determine the best course of action for your home. How do I know my radon mitigation system is working properly? Homeowners should test radon levels after a radon mitigation system is installed to ensure the system is working as intended. Oftentimes, having a second, unaffiliated provider inspect the installation and test the effectiveness of the system is a good idea. Hopefully, our step-by-step radon guide helps homeowners in the greater Richmond area take radon seriously. If you haven't had your home tested for radon in Central Virginia yet, here is your reminder to do so as soon as possible to protect yourself and your family. Never want to miss a post? For more useful real estate tips & tricks, subscribe to our mailing list or contact us with any real estate questions. Authored By: Kat Medaries, REALTOR® MT Realty Advisors of Long & Foster Real Estate Village of Midlothian Sales, 1100 Jefferson Green Circle, Midlothian, VA 23113 Licensed to sell in the Commonwealth of VA | Equal Housing Opportunity For informational purposes only. Not intended as legal, financial, tax or credit advice.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
MoreOwning real estate should be a journey of building & preserving wealth through the equity in your home or other properties. Our resources are designed to give current and would-be homeowners tips & trick to maintain, improve & shop for their greatest asset. Your search for value in real estate stops here. Archives
July 2024
Categories
All
|