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Here Good News Home Inspection
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What is Radon? Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that occurs worldwide. It is a by-product of the breakdown of naturally occurring Uranium in soil, rock, and water and gets into the air being breathed. It is present in varying quantities in the atmosphere and in soils around the world. Why is Radon harmful? Radon is harmful because it breaks down into radioactive particles (called decay products). A home may be collecting Radon inside, allowing it to build up to unhealthy levels. When inhaled, Radon is trapped in the lungs where it decays, emitting radioactive particles which adversely affect the cells in the lungs, contributing to the development of lung cancer. Being a smoker exacerbates the effects. Radon is not a serious problem outdoors because it is diffused by the ambient air. What does the Surgeon General have to say about Radon? "Indoor Radon gas is a national health problem, Radon causes thousands of deaths each year, Millions of homes have elevated Radon levels, Homes should be tested for Radon, When elevated levels are confirmed, the problem should be corrected. How does Radon enter the home? Radon typically moves up through the ground, through cracks and other holes in the foundation, slab, sump pump openings, floor drains, and pores in hollow brick walls to name a few. Radon can also seep into ground water coming from wells and remain trapped there, entering the home in the water being pumped from the well. Those on municipal water supplies do not have as much risk from this type of problem. How is Radon detected? Radon is undetectable by humans without using special equipment to measure its concentration. There are a variety of method for testing Radon but the guidelines enumerated in the EPA's Radon Measurement Proficiency Program (RMP) should be followed to insure the most accurate test results. Each state has Radon office that can assist in answering questions. Normally, the Department of Environment or Air and Radiation Management handle Radon questions. What are acceptable levels of Radon? Radon results are measured and reported in either Pico curies per liter (pCi/L) or working levels (WL), The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set 4 pCi / L or 0,02 WL as the acceptable limits for Radon gas in the home. Any readings above this are considered hazardous. The EPA estimates that the risk of dying from lung cancer is as the result of an annual radon level of four Pico curies is equivalent to the risk from smoking two packs a day while a level of 100 pCi / L equates to 2,000 chest x-rays a year. If excessive Radon is detected, what can be done? The EPA has determined that short-term exposure to a high concentration of Radon is not as severe a risk as long term exposure to lower levels of the gas. It is estimated that most homes will contain from one to two Pico curies of Radon per liter of air. If a Radon test indicates Radon over four pCi/L, a long term retest should be considered. If Radon levels continue to be high (over 4 pCi/L) there are a variety of effective and fairly inexpensive methods the home owner can pursue. Cracks in the foundation, slab and walls may be allowing Radon to enter. These cracks should be filled and monitored to insure they do not reopen thereby allowing Radon to reenter. Uncovered sump pumps pits are another prime candidate for allowing Radon encroachment. Covers can be purchased to cover the pit and stop the Radon from entering. Gaps in suspended floors and around service pipe entries should be eliminated as Radon can enter through these. Another area to check is the water supply. Radon gas can be carried into the house from the well and cause high readings. If it is believed that the water may be carrying the Radon into the house, the water can be tested and if necessary filtered to stop the Radon entry. How can I determine the Radon level in my home? Self-testing kits are inexpensively available at local retail outlets or online. If this test indicates an unsafe level of Radon in you home, you should immediately contract a professional Radon contractor. Be sure they have a Radon Contractors Permit (RCP) issued by the EPA and are registered with the state as a certified Radon contractor and have their credentials with them before beginning work. What is the EPA's radon website? What counties in Georgia have the highest potential for Radon, according to the EPA? Fulton, Gwinnett, DeKalb, Cobb. http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/zonemap/zmapp10.htm
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Richard Cook
Code Certified SBCCI 11753
ICC: 5136661 Member G.R.E.H.I. GA License: 19999014651
770.490.8120
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