Radon, in Kansas?
Radon, here? You bet. We’re in Zone 2 (1 being the worst, 3 being the least), with Kingman County being the closest Zone 3. With inspectors scaring our buyers and sellers to death (or testing anyway) I thought some government facts would be helpful (http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html)
How Dangerous is Radon?
Best way to test?
What’s the fix?
Aproximateley 21,000 people will die from Radon caused Lung cancer this year in the United States, compare that with 17,400 people killed by drunk drivers. Ok, but what is the risk at EPA Levels? Levels above 4pCi/L is where the EPA gets concerned
*Lifetime risk of lung cancer deaths from EPA Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R-03-003)
Odds are pretty good if you don’t smoke. But no reason to expose ourselves if we don’t have to.
How to test? Well the EPA says a New home should be occupied before running the test. In Zone 1 areas they tell us to build the system in to evacuate the gas, but don’t turn it on until after someone lives in the home, then do a short term test. Many do-it-your self tests are easy, and available at Hardware stores. When you get the results, the magic number is 4! If you have more than 4pCi/L, then they recommend a long term test that goes over a 90 day period. Yes, you’ll live in the house while the test is going on, but you should try to keep doors and windows closed when possible. EPA says a long term test is the only way to find a good average, and see how safe your home really is. HOWEVER - the EPA says if your first (short term) test is approaching 8pCi/L or more, do another short term test. Don’t wait for the long term test.
OK, so my levels are too high, now what? Because we have sump pumps in most of our homes, the fix is relatively easy. A fan goes in the pump hole, and draws air up. A pipe for the air should go to above the roof, and the Radon goes out to atmosphere, and You’re Fixed!!
So, following EPA logic, read the pamphlet. Don’t do the test around windy or stormy days. Have your seller do the test while living at home, and when the listing first starts. If the home is empty (ie Corporate Relo or New), the EPA indicates in publication EPA/402-K-01-002 (April 2001) that new homes, in Zone 1, have evacuation systems built in. But, don’t start the system until home is occupied, and then do a short term test to see if system is needed to operate. One could draw the conclusion that any home empty for a longer period should be occupied before testing.
SOURCE: U.S. EPA 402-K-02-006, Revised September 2005