What is Radon and Why Should Buyers be Concerned?

What is Radon?
Radon is an odorless, tasteless, naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the soil. It is produced when uranium decays and works its way up through the soil into the atmosphere. This gas is especially high among areas where granite is present which is very common in Georgia. As radon is released into the soil, it can enter buildings through the foundation and well water, eventually building to dangerous levels.  Radon can be found in homes of any size, age, or location.
Why should your buyer be concerned about radon?
Radon causes more deaths each year in the U.S. than drunk drivers. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer and the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. Radon kills 22,000 people every year in the U.S.; 800 of those will be in Georgia.  The Surgeon General has issued a health advisory concerning radon exposure, stating that all U.S. homes should be tested for radon and fixed if the level is high. There is no acceptable, safe level of radon. As you breathe, radon and radon decay products enter your lungs. These substances release small bursts of energy that can permanently damage lung tissue DNA, and lead to lung cancer. People all over Georgia should be concerned about radon and test their homes. Outdoors, radon is quickly diluted by the atmosphere and poses no problem. But if radon seeps into your home from soil beneath your home, it could build to hazardous levels in the relatively stagnant air in your home’s living space.
How do I know if I am at risk of radon exposure?
The only way to know is to test your home, since you can’t see, smell or taste it – and it doesn’t cause any immediate symptoms. You can have radon in your home no matter how old it is, how it is built, or how it is heated. Even if your neighbor next door has tested and found no problem, you may have high radon in your home because geology changes rapidly.
Can new homes be built to be radon resistant?
Yes. If you are planning to build a new home, ask your contractor to install a radon mitigation system during construction. Building the system in up-front costs much less than adding it after the home is built.
What if I get a high reading (4 pCi/L or higher) from my radon test?
Don’t panic. You’ll need to confirm the first high reading with a second test. If the second test has similar results, it is best to contact a trained, certified radon mitigation contractor for help.
The contractor will probably use a combination of sealing techniques and a system that pulls air from beneath your home by using a vent stack and exhaust fan and vents it above the eave line.
How often should radon testing be done?
The EPA recommends performing a radon test every 2 years. Every type of building should be regularly inspected for radon, including homes, offices, and schools. The greatest exposure to you and your family is most likely at home where you spend a significant amount of your time.