ACE INSPECTIONS

Radon Testing

Radon has been linked to lung cancer. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the decomposition of Uranium. That radon gas will begin to rise through the ground to the surface. If there is lay under your home, which is a large part of the North Dakota area, the radon will concentrate giving us higher levels of radon in our homes. In a house that has a forced air system, it will draw the radon from the basement and move it through the home. If you are raising kids in your new home I strongly support having this checked.

Radon Risk If You Smoke

From “A Citizen’s Guide to Radon: The Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Family From Radon”
Radon Level If 1,000 people who smoked were exposed to this level over a lifetime*
The risk of cancer from radon exposure compares to**

WHAT TO DO:

Stop smoking and…

  • 20 pCi/L About 260 people could get lung cancer 250 times the risk of drowning Fix your home
  • 10 pCi/L About 150 people could get lung cancer 200 times the risk of dying in a home fire Fix your home
  • 8 pCi/L About 120 people could get lung cancer 30 times the risk of dying in a fall Fix your home
  • 4 pCi/L About 62 people could get lung cancer 5 times the risk of dying in a car crash Fix your home
  • 2 pCi/L About 32 people could get lung cancer 6 times the risk of dying from poison Consider fixing between 2 and 4 pCi/L
  • 1.3 pCi/L About 20 people could get lung cancer (Average indoor radon level) (Reducing radon levels below 2 pCi/L is difficult.)
  • 0.4 pCi/L About 3 people could get lung cancer (Average outdoor radon level)

Note: If you are a former smoker, your risk may be lower.
* Lifetime risk of lung cancer deaths from EPA Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R-03-003).
** Comparison data calculated using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 1999-2001 National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Reports.

Radon Risk If You've Never Smoked

Radon Level If 1,000 people who never smoked were exposed to this level over a lifetime*… The risk of cancer from radon exposure compares to**

WHAT TO DO:

  • 20 pCi/L About 36 people could get lung cancer 35 times the risk of drowning Fix your home
  • 10 pCi/L About 18 people could get lung cancer 20 times the risk of dying in a home fire Fix your home
  • 8 pCi/L About 15 people could get lung cancer 4 times the risk of dying in a fall Fix your home
  • 4 pCi/L About 7 people could get lung cancer The risk of dying in a car crash Fix your home
  • 2 pCi/L About 4 person could get lung cancer The risk of dying from poison Consider fixing between 2 and 4 pCi/L
  • 1.3 pCi/L About 2 people could get lung cancer (Average indoor radon level) (Reducing radon levels below 2 pCi/L is difficult.)
  • 0.4 pCi/L (Average outdoor radon level)

Note: If you are a former smoker, your risk may be higher.
* Lifetime risk of lung cancer deaths from EPA Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R-03-003).
** Comparison data calculated using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 1999-2001 National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Reports.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can be harmful when it accumulates in indoor spaces.

Health Risks:

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. It is a colorless and odorless gas, making it impossible to detect without specialized testing equipment. Radon exposure over time can pose serious health risks to the occupants of a home. Radon testing helps ensure the safety and well-being of those who will be living in the house.

Geographic Variability:

Radon levels can vary significantly from one geographic area to another. Some regions have higher radon concentrations than others due to geological factors. Radon testing is crucial because it provides specific data about radon levels in the property you are considering, allowing you to assess the potential risk.

Mitigation Costs:

If high radon levels are detected, mitigation measures may be necessary to reduce radon concentrations to safe levels. These measures can range from sealing cracks in the foundation to installing a radon mitigation system. Knowing about potential radon issues before buying a home can help you plan for any necessary mitigation and associated costs.

Property Value:

In some cases, a home with high radon levels may have a lower resale value or be more challenging to sell in the future. By conducting radon testing during the home purchase process, you can address any radon-related issues upfront and potentially negotiate with the seller regarding mitigation or pricing.

Safety Assurance:

Radon testing provides peace of mind for both buyers and sellers. Buyers can feel more confident that the home they are purchasing is safe, while sellers can demonstrate transparency and a commitment to ensuring the property’s safety.

Legal Requirements:

In some areas, radon testing and disclosure of radon levels are legally mandated during real estate transactions. Compliance with local regulations may necessitate radon testing as part of the home purchase process.

Long-term Investment:

Buying a home is a significant long-term investment. Ensuring that your new home is free from radon-related health risks is a wise and responsible decision for the well-being of your family and the value of your investment.

It’s important to hire a qualified radon testing professional or inspector to perform the test, as they will have the necessary equipment and expertise to provide accurate results. If high radon levels are detected, mitigation measures should be carried out by professionals who specialize in radon mitigation to ensure the effectiveness of the system and the safety of the occupants.