Radon - How does it affect you?
Ranked #38,792 in Healthy Living, #474,256 overall
U.S. Surgeon General Health Advisory
"Indoor radon gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and breathing it over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk to families all over the country. It's important to know that this threat is completely preventable. Radon can be detected with a simple test and fixed through well-established venting techniques." January 2005
* Radon is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year, according to EPA's 2003 Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R-03-003). The numbers of deaths from other causes are taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 1999-2001 National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Report and 2002 National Safety Council Reports.
* Radon is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year, according to EPA's 2003 Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R-03-003). The numbers of deaths from other causes are taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 1999-2001 National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Report and 2002 National Safety Council Reports.
NEHA Certified Radon Measurement Provider
Chris D. Hilton has been a home inspector and a radon measurement provider in North Carolina for ten years. Mr. Hilton is certified by the National Environmental Health Association, a member of The American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists, and a certified member of the American Society of Home Inspectors."When I started inspecting homes 10 years ago I became a certified radon measurement provider because providing radon testing was expected of home inspectors. Honestly, I didn't take the radon issue very seriously. Over the years after testing thousands of homes, many with high radon levels, sitting in many hours of required continuing education classes and meeting folk with radon induced lung cancer my attitude has changed."
Cut to the chase
I will spend time later in this article addressing the radon issue in greater detail. If you are in the process of or plan to buy or sell a house over the course of the next year you really should spend more time on this article. However, if you live in a home below the third floor where you intend to be longer than a few years and aren't interested in the details pay attention to the next two videos and information on the action you should take NOW!
Eddie's Story
This is an example of the many real life stories which changed my attitude about the radon issue.
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EPA Public Service Announcement
Watch the US Environmental Protection Agency's position on radon:
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Test your home yourself NOW!
If you live in a home below the third floor and aren't planning on moving anytime in the near future you should test your home for radon NOW!
I test for radon in my area as do others in your area. We all would love to market our services to you and if you are buying or selling a home you really should use a certified measurement provider and have them conduct a short term test intended for this type of transaction. However, this is not the best or the appropriate test for you. Short term tests are to accommodate quick turn around and aren't the most accurate. I suggest that you do a 90 day test using the "Alpha Track" device below.
I conduct my 90 day tests using the very device presented below from this supplier. This is usually done following a high short term test (I use an electronic monitor for short term testing) to verify that a mitigation system is necessary. In that type of situation a certified test is important and currently I charge $125.00 for such a test. You can purchase the test kit below. Follow the instructions provided and do-it-yourself. Click on the product link and do it NOW!
I test for radon in my area as do others in your area. We all would love to market our services to you and if you are buying or selling a home you really should use a certified measurement provider and have them conduct a short term test intended for this type of transaction. However, this is not the best or the appropriate test for you. Short term tests are to accommodate quick turn around and aren't the most accurate. I suggest that you do a 90 day test using the "Alpha Track" device below.
I conduct my 90 day tests using the very device presented below from this supplier. This is usually done following a high short term test (I use an electronic monitor for short term testing) to verify that a mitigation system is necessary. In that type of situation a certified test is important and currently I charge $125.00 for such a test. You can purchase the test kit below. Follow the instructions provided and do-it-yourself. Click on the product link and do it NOW!
Purchase a 90 day radon test kit NOW!
Thank You
Even if you didn't click on the link above to purchase a test kit, Thank You. I have successfully transferred the weight of my knowledge and concern for the health of you and your family from my shoulders to yours. That feels much better. Didn't order a test kit? Maybe you should back up and let this issue sink in a little deeper if you care for your family.
Care for additional information or if you are considering being involved in buying or selling a home or for that mater moving to a new location as a renter keep on reading.
Care for additional information or if you are considering being involved in buying or selling a home or for that mater moving to a new location as a renter keep on reading.
What is radon?
Radon is a colorless, odorless, naturally occurring gas formed by the decay of radium. Radon emanates naturally from the ground all over the world, but is particularly significant in regions with soils containing granite or shale. Some materials used in buildings emanate radon as does ground water at varying levels. Although radon levels naturally fluctuate, for the most part, every breath of air you breathe contains radon. Although radon dissipates in outside air, depending on construction and ventilation radon accumulates at varying levels within your home. This accumulation of radon within our homes is the issue.
I am not a scientist by any measure of the imagination and I honestly don't know how accurate this is but here is how what radon does inside of our homes and inside of us was explained to me.
If you have ever looked at a beam of sunlight shining through your window you also observed dust particles floating around the in the air. Radon attaches to these particles of dust we breathe them into and they become trapped in our lungs. This radon gas began from decaying uranium and is continuing to decay. This further act of radioactive decay releases small busts of energy in the form of alpha particles that damage lung tissue leading to lung cancer.
I am not a scientist by any measure of the imagination and I honestly don't know how accurate this is but here is how what radon does inside of our homes and inside of us was explained to me.
If you have ever looked at a beam of sunlight shining through your window you also observed dust particles floating around the in the air. Radon attaches to these particles of dust we breathe them into and they become trapped in our lungs. This radon gas began from decaying uranium and is continuing to decay. This further act of radioactive decay releases small busts of energy in the form of alpha particles that damage lung tissue leading to lung cancer.
Ron Stadham on radon
Although this is about radon in Colorado it is a great explanation of the issue.
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EPA Publications
- Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon
- What you should know about radon if you are buying or selling a home.
- A Citizen's Guide to Radon
- The Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Family From Radon.
- Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction
- How to reduce the level of radon in your home.
- Radon-Resistant New Construction
- Radon in new construction
Where You Live
State and Regional Indoor Environments Contact Information
- Your States radon office
- Information about your local radon office.
Short term radon test kits
Order your short term radon test kits here:
If you are buying or selling a home I don't recommend that you conduct the short term test yourself nor do I recommend using this type of kit. I recommend that you use a certified radon measurement provider and preferably one who uses an electronic monitor. This is all about accuracy and having a test the other side of the transaction can't argue with. Don't accept that, fine you can order your own test kit below:
All radon tests are not equal!
RADALINK MONITORS
This is the equipment I have used for over ten years!
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Find a Radalink Professional near you:
- Radalink Website
- I am a Radalink Affiliate in the Piedmont Triad Area of North Carolina. You will find a a Radalink Professional near you at the link above:
Continuous radon monitoring in your home:
If you are interested in being able to continuously monitor the radon level in your home order a monitor below from Amazon.com:
Additional Radon Resources
- EPA Radon Site
- This is the official Environmental Protection Agency Radon website.
- NEHA
- This is the National Environmental Health Association website.
- AARST
- This is the website of the American Association of Radon Scientist and Technologist.
- CANSAR
- This the the site of Cancer Survivors Against Radon.
- National Radon Proficency Program
- You can find a certified radon measurement provider in your area at this site.
Check out this interesting book about the Radon issue:
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Home Inspection Website
- Chris D. Hilton's Website
- Chris D. Hilton is a Home/Building Inspector in the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina including Winston-Salem/Greensboro/High Point. If you are interested in learning more about home inspections visit his website.
Visit Chris Hilton's Home Inspection Blog
This blog is all about home inspections. I will be sharing interesting or informative information either from actual home inspections or relative to conducting home inspections.
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With graying hair I have a lovely wife, five children, two son-in-laws, one daughter-in-law and six wonderful grandchildren. I am retired from many ye... more »
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