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January has been designated by the EPA as Radon Action Month. Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions about Radon, and the topic is not widely understood by the general public.
Radon is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer (only cigarette smoke is higher), and is a radioactive gas that results from the natural breakdown of Uranium in the ground. Radon testing is not regulated in Michigan, as it is in some states. The professionals conducting Inspections have taken Radon Testing Certification courses and understand Radon properties and testing protocols.
We have compiled a list of 5 common Radon myths and misconceptions below. For the full EPA guide, click on the following link: EPA Buyer and Seller Guide
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| Radon Myths and Misconceptions |
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Radon Myth #1: My neighbors tested low for Radon, so I should be OK
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Facts: "You cannot predict Radon levels based on state, local, and neighborhood measurements. Do not rely on Radon test results taken in other homes in the neighborhood to estimate the Radon level in your Home. Homes which are next to each other can have different indoor Radon levels. Testing is the only way to find out what your home's Radon level is." -pg 4 of EPA doc linked above.
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Radon Myth #2: My home is less than 10 years old
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Facts: Radon levels have nothing to do with the age of your home. Radon originates from the natural decay occurring in the ground. New construction homes are just as likely to have Radon as hundred year old homes.
There are Radon resistant new construction techniques available, which are less expensive than installing an after-market mitigation system. Make sure to consult your builder if you plan on building a new home.
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Radon Myth #3: My home doesn't have a basement, so I won't have Radon
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Facts: As long as your home sits on the ground, Radon could be an issue - even with a slab or crawl space foundation.
Testing is the only way to be certain what Radon levels you have.
Radon settles in the lowest level of your residence. Radon testing may not be necessary if: you have an unfinished basement that you do not spend significant time in; if you live in an upper level apartment or condo unit.
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Radon Myth #4: I have lived here for years, there is no need to test now
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Facts: Reducing Radon levels you are exposed to can reduce the chance of long-term harmful effects - just as a smoker that stops smoking will improve their long-term risk factors.
One type of Equipment used is the Radalink high end Radon Monitors for testing. The monitors are calibrated yearly by Radalink per EPA standards, and take readings for humidity and temperature during testing in order to validate the accuracy of test results. Every test is reviewed by a Radalink technician upon completion, and test results and reporting are typically available within an hour of completion.
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Radon Myth #5: Radon problems cannot be fixed, and could make my home difficult to sell
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Facts: There are solutions to Radon issues in homes. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs.
Radon testing is easy. Most inspectors conduct a 48 hour test with a monitor smaller than a shoe box, and tests your living area during normal, everyday living conditions.
Use an Inspector who is an independent Radon tester and is not affiliated with any Radon mitigation service.
Call us today for more information and schedule a test for your peace of mind and your family's health and safety. Find Inspectors using the Links page under Resources tab above and look for Home inspectors link
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We hope this information has been helpful. Feel free to share it with anyone you think may benefit from it.
tom stachler, realtor, broker, ann arbor, radon, information, resources, michigan, saline, dexter, home, inspections, pricing, testing, builder, standards, houses, homes, property, purchaser, seller, scheduling, appointments
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