Since January is the National Radon Action month, it would only seem appropriate to test or have your home tested for radon presence. Luckily, the tests are inexpensive and it should be done before one buys or sells a house, any structural changes are made (such as installing new cooling or heating system or changing pipes) or periodically for your health and safety.
For those who don’t quite know what radon is, it is a tasteless, odorless radioactive gas occurring naturally from the rock decay. The gas leaks into the homes through various cracks, especially the ones in the foundations and gathers inside contaminating the indoor air. Radon is said to be one of the leading causes of lung cancer and according to EPA, it causes about 21000 deaths per year in the US alone.
It’s advised that homeowners perform a radon test at least once ever 18 months to be on the safe side. The radon test kits are sold in nearly all hardware or home improvement stores and cost on average from $10 to $20. The duration of the test also varies and may take anywhere from a few days up to 90 days but the longer test usually give more accurate readings.
According to the EPA, there are no safe levels of the radioactive gas, however if the long-term test shows levels exceeding 4 pCi/L, you should take action to remove it, and that can cost you quite a penny (up to $2,500) since a qualified contractor will have to be called to carry out the job.
