The EPA debunks 10 myths about radon
January is National Radon Action month and theEnvironmental Protection Agency is asking homeowners to “save a life” by testing for radon and fixing any problems they find. Radon is a radioactive gas and exposure to it causes 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year—only smoking causes more. Because you can't see, smell or taste radon, it’s important to periodically test the air in your home. Believing you live in a region not affected by radon is just one of the myths about this deadly gas. Here are the EPA’s top 10.
Myth 1: Scientists are not sure that radon really is a problem.
Fact: Although some scientists dispute the precise number of deaths due to radon, all the major health organizations (like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Lung Association and the American Medical Association) agree with estimates that radon causes thousands of preventable lung cancer deaths every year. This is especially true among smokers, since the risk to smokers is much greater than to non-smokers.
Myth 2: Radon testing is difficult, time-consuming and expensive.
Fact: Radon testing is easy. You can test your home yourself or hire a qualified radon test company. Either approach takes only a small amount of time and effort. In Consumer Reports tests of radon kits, we found that long-term tests, which take readings for at least 90 days, are more accurate than short-term kits.
Myth 3: Homes with radon problems can't be fixed.
Fact: There are simple solutions to radon problems in homes. Thousands of homeowners have already fixed radon problems. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs. Call your state radon office for help in identifying qualified mitigation contractors.
Myth 4: Radon affects only certain kinds of homes.
Fact: Radon can be a problem in homes of all types: old homes, new homes, drafty homes, insulated homes, homes with basements, and homes without basements. Local geology, construction materials, and how the home was built are among the factors that can affect radon levels in homes.
Myth 5: Radon is only a problem in certain parts of the country.
Fact: High radon levels have been found in every state. Radon problems do vary from area to area, but the only way to know your radon level is to test.
Myth 6: A neighbor's test result is a good indication of whether you have a problem.
Fact: It's not. Radon levels can vary greatly from home to home. The only way to know if your home has a radon problem is to test it.
Myth 7: Everyone should test their water for radon.
Fact: While radon gets into some homes through water, it is important to first test the air in the home for radon. If your water comes from a public water supply that uses ground water, call your water supplier. If high radon levels are found and the home has a private well, call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791 for information on testing your water.
Myth 8: It's difficult to sell homes where radon problems have been discovered.
Fact: Where radon problems have been fixed, home sales have not been blocked or frustrated. The added protection is sometimes a good selling point.
Myth 9: I've lived in my home for so long, it doesn't make sense to take action now.
Fact: You will reduce your risk of lung cancer when you reduce radon levels, even if you've lived with an elevated radon level for a long time.
Myth 10: Short-term tests can't be used for making a decision about whether to fix your home.
Fact: Short-term tests can be used to decide whether to reduce a home's high radon levels. However, the closer the short-term testing result is to 4 pCi/L (pico Curies per Liter), the less certainty there is about whether the home's year-round average is above or below that level. Keep in mind that radon levels below 4 pCi/L still pose some risk and that radon levels can be reduced to 2 pCi/L or below in most homes.
For more information, read the EPA’s Citizen's Guide to Radon.
Myth 1: Scientists are not sure that radon really is a problem.
Fact: Although some scientists dispute the precise number of deaths due to radon, all the major health organizations (like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Lung Association and the American Medical Association) agree with estimates that radon causes thousands of preventable lung cancer deaths every year. This is especially true among smokers, since the risk to smokers is much greater than to non-smokers.
Myth 2: Radon testing is difficult, time-consuming and expensive.
Fact: Radon testing is easy. You can test your home yourself or hire a qualified radon test company. Either approach takes only a small amount of time and effort. In Consumer Reports tests of radon kits, we found that long-term tests, which take readings for at least 90 days, are more accurate than short-term kits.
Myth 3: Homes with radon problems can't be fixed.
Fact: There are simple solutions to radon problems in homes. Thousands of homeowners have already fixed radon problems. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs. Call your state radon office for help in identifying qualified mitigation contractors.
Myth 4: Radon affects only certain kinds of homes.
Fact: Radon can be a problem in homes of all types: old homes, new homes, drafty homes, insulated homes, homes with basements, and homes without basements. Local geology, construction materials, and how the home was built are among the factors that can affect radon levels in homes.
Myth 5: Radon is only a problem in certain parts of the country.
Fact: High radon levels have been found in every state. Radon problems do vary from area to area, but the only way to know your radon level is to test.
Myth 6: A neighbor's test result is a good indication of whether you have a problem.
Fact: It's not. Radon levels can vary greatly from home to home. The only way to know if your home has a radon problem is to test it.
Myth 7: Everyone should test their water for radon.
Fact: While radon gets into some homes through water, it is important to first test the air in the home for radon. If your water comes from a public water supply that uses ground water, call your water supplier. If high radon levels are found and the home has a private well, call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791 for information on testing your water.
Myth 8: It's difficult to sell homes where radon problems have been discovered.
Fact: Where radon problems have been fixed, home sales have not been blocked or frustrated. The added protection is sometimes a good selling point.
Myth 9: I've lived in my home for so long, it doesn't make sense to take action now.
Fact: You will reduce your risk of lung cancer when you reduce radon levels, even if you've lived with an elevated radon level for a long time.
Myth 10: Short-term tests can't be used for making a decision about whether to fix your home.
Fact: Short-term tests can be used to decide whether to reduce a home's high radon levels. However, the closer the short-term testing result is to 4 pCi/L (pico Curies per Liter), the less certainty there is about whether the home's year-round average is above or below that level. Keep in mind that radon levels below 4 pCi/L still pose some risk and that radon levels can be reduced to 2 pCi/L or below in most homes.
For more information, read the EPA’s Citizen's Guide to Radon.
About Steve Zivolich and Guaranteed Property Inspections: www.gpinspect.com
Steve Zivolich, M.A., the owner/operator of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation Inc. has been providing property and environmental inspections for over 13 years in Orange County and Southern California.
Steve Z. has performed over 6,000 home inspections, mold, energy and environmental inspections and is fully certified and insured to meet all your inspection needs. He personally provides all field inspection services and as a result is able to maintain the highest Better Business Bureau rating of A+.
Steve has extensive training and years of experience as a home, mold, energy and environmental inspector that will guarantee that you receive the most thorough, state of the art and comprehensive inspection that follows current industry standards of practice and codes of ethics, a true value and education at a fair price. He conducts every inspection, as if he were moving his own family into the property. Steve also backs up every home inspection with a 90 day warranty, that is purchased on your behalf from American Home Warranty Association.
Unlike other home inspection companies, who will need to refer you to an environmental and/or energy audit contractor, Steve is a nationally certified expert that can handle the job without making you jump through hoops to hire additional people before the end of your inspection period, including the areas of: mold, asbestos, allergens, child safety, radon, formaldehyde, energy, EMF, water quality, and VOC's. As a result of his advanced training, he is able to offer a FREE energy audit and FREE mold investigation as well, with each home inspection.
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Please take the time to read through Steve's home inspector credentials and qualifications as this is so important when hiring an inspector. Don't focus on price alone, focus on value, quality, experience and professionalism. When you hire an inspector, any inspector, you are hiring their individual knowledge, experience and qualifications so make sure you hire the best, not just the cheapest. We are confident that you will be Steve's next satisfied customer.
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Please take the time to read through Steve's home inspector credentials and qualifications as this is so important when hiring an inspector. Don't focus on price alone, focus on value, quality, experience and professionalism. When you hire an inspector, any inspector, you are hiring their individual knowledge, experience and qualifications so make sure you hire the best, not just the cheapest. We are confident that you will be Steve's next satisfied customer.
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