11Feb/104
Just How Serious Is A Radon Gas Threat To Getting Cancer Or Getting Sick?
I tested the levels in my basement once, they read 4.3 or something. They EPA says you should act on 4.0 or above. Are those things accurate and just how much of a chance do I have of getting cancer?
February 11th, 2010 - 06:40
Radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.A, behind smoking. However, with a level of 4.3, the risk of cancer is linked to exposure time. I’d be concerned about my health if I lived in a house with 4.3 over the period of several years.
It is very good that you did a test, however, 4.3 does not mean you must remediate. Levels over 8 drive immediate remediation.
4.3 picocuries per liter is very easy to manage. Simple fixes like covering your sump pump reservoir and sealing cracks can get you below 4.0. I’d have to know more about your house.
To a certified radon measurement technician, a reading of 4.3 simply means conducting another short-term test. If that second test is also above 4.0, but below 8.0, then a long term test should be done.
Also, you mentioned you tested your basement. Does someone live down there? If so, you followed measurement protocals. If not, you need to test again on the lowest habital level. Also, testing during bad weather, high winds, heating season, and other environmental conditions will cause higher readings.
contact me at paul.olsen@honorbuilders.com if you have more questions.
February 11th, 2010 - 06:55
Considering the cost of owning a home, repairing radon out gassing is a minor expense compared to buying a new heating system or a new roof. You have a vapor barrier put on the surface of the ground in your crawl space then make sure your house is vented along the crawl space walls and then your radon levels will go way down. If you have high radon levels you might as well fix the problem now because you have about a 50-50 chance you will have to pay to have it fixed anyways when you go to sell your home and the buyer tests for radon – assuming you have not come down with lung cancer while living in the home and the radon has become your heir’s problem instead of yours.
February 11th, 2010 - 07:42
If you have just recently tested you are looking at the lower numbers for the year since radon levels trend downward during the warmer months of the year.
The only way to know for sure what your risk,the is to do a longterm test preferably covering at least part of the warmer months into the coldest. Then you will know for sure where your risk is.
But with a 4.3 now your average is most likely some what higher.
I would suggest fixing!
February 11th, 2010 - 07:55
Radon gas is a real horrible carcinogen. If you have a level of 4.3 you should definitely do something about it. It definitely causes cancer and can cause bone marrow problems among other things aswell.