National Radon Month by EPA

As Americans across the country look for ways to improve their health this New Year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is highlighting radon testing and mitigation as a simple and affordable step to significantly reduce the risk for lung cancer. Radon is a natural colorless, odorless radioactive gas, and is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, but testing for radon and reducing elevated levels when they are found can make your home healthier and safer.

EPA Info on Radon
More Info on Radon from the EPA

“Testing for radon is an easy and affordable way to protect your family’s health,” EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said in a press release. ”Radon is a radioactive gas that can be found in homes all across the country; the only way know if your home has high levels is to test it.”

Part of EPA’s radon action campaign is to remind people to “Test, Fix, Save a Life,” and to recognize every January as radon action month.

• Test: All homes with or without basements should be tested for radon. Affordable Do-It-Yourself radon test kits are available online and at home improvement and hardware stores, or you can hire a qualified radon tester.
• Fix: EPA recommends taking action to fix radon levels at or above 4 picoCuries per Liter and contacting a qualified radon-reduction contractor. In most cases, a system with a vent pipe and fan is used to reduce radon. Addressing high radon levels often costs the same as other minor home repairs.
• Save a Life: 21,000 Americans die from radon related lung cancer each year. By fixing elevated levels in your home, you can help prevent lung cancer while creating a healthier home for you and your family.

Taking action to test and fix high levels of radon gas is not only a strong investment for your health, but also for your home. Radon test results are a positive selling point for those putting a house on the market and in many areas is a required part of real estate transactions. In addition, if you are looking to build a new home, there are now are safer and healthier radon-resistant construction techniques that home buyers can discuss with builders to prevent this health hazard.

Danger of Radon Gas in Homes Ignored in Orange County CA

EPA Link for More Radon InfoThe primary cause of preventable mortality in U.S. homes is from Radon gas. Radon causes 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the U.S. Both the U.S. Surgeon General and the EPA have identified Radon gas as the second leading cause of lung cancer, as well as the primary cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. For over two decades, the EPA has recommended that all homes be tested for Radon. One in fifteen homes have Radon gas levels that are at levels determined as a significant risk to the occupants. 

While testing and correction of the radon levels is relatively inexpensive, I find that the majority of my home inspection clients in Orange County opt out of testing, again to save money, and or lack of acceptance regarding the real and present danger of Radon. Clients can see the potential danger of a trip hazard, but they cannot see, taste or smell Radon gas.

In addition, I listen weekly to real estate agents, property owners, bankers, and investors insisting that there is no Radon in California. At the same time, the California Department of Health, has determined through thousands of Radon test results, that radon is found in all areas of California and causes 2,000 annual lung cancer deaths.

California law requires that the Radon gas test be conducted by a Department of Health registered radon technician, during a real estate escrow, to prevent tampering. However, a new homeowner can conduct their own test after they take possession of the property. Low cost Radon test kits (about $30), can be obtained from local hardware stores or over the internet.

The other primary annual causes of preventable death in U.S. Homes include: falls 6,000; Poisoning 5,000; Fires 3,000; and Air Obstructions (strangulations) 1,000. Home Inspectors can report on safety prevention issues for all of these items as well: Falls (stairs, handrails, flooring, grounds); Poisoning (child safety latches); Fires, (smoke detectors, fire egress, electrical); Air Obstructions (window cover cords).

The home inspectors primary standard of care is to advise and educate their clients on home safety conditions and prevention strategies for these primary in-home safety issues. It is critical that home inspectors continue to inspect, educate and report to their clients on these safety conditions to help prevent tragic, but preventable deaths related to Radon gas.

About Guaranteed Property Inspections

For more information on Radon and home inspections or to contact the author, please visit: http://www.gpinspect.com

Steve Zivolich, is an ASHI/CREIA/NEHA Certified Inspector and owner of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation in Southern California. He is also certified in: Radon, Mold, Energy Efficiency and Asbestos testing.