Your real estate contract mentioned this word that you never heard before, RADON, and you are now wondering, do I need a radon inspection in NJ?
Let’s start by answering some questions that you may have.
What is radon?
Radon is a toxic, colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that is a lung carcinogen. It is the number # 1 cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and it is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer in the USA according to EPA estimates. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths yearly, with about 2,900 of these deaths occurring among people who have never smoked. Radon comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils, rocks and water that escapes from the soil and can then enter into your home. It is fixable through mitigation, however, the only way to detect it…is to test for it!
Is there a Pass / Fail for the radon test results?
The US EPA has identified 4.0 pCi/L as failing their action guidelines. They recommend that mitigation be considered at that level or higher. They have identified the national indoor average as 1.3 pCi/L but suggest that there is no safe level for radon and that homes with radon levels above 2.0 pCi/L be considered for mitigation as well. When untreated levels of radon are below 4.0 pCi/L the US EPA recommends at a minimum you should retest every 5 years or following any construction or changes to the home.
How Can Radon Enter The Home?
All homes are at risk of radon exposure no matter the age of the home, well-sealed or drafty homes and homes with or without basements. Typically, it moves up through the ground to the air above and into the home through cracks and other holes within the foundation. Once it is inside, it can build up. The EPA estimates that roughly 6 million homes in the U.S. are currently exposed to radon measurements exceeding 4.0pCi/L which puts the occupants at a higher risk to developing lung cancer.
The amount of radon that escapes from the soil that can enter the house depends on the weather, soil porosity, soil moisture and the suction within the house. Levels can vary widely, even from home to home in the same neighborhood.
Is Radon In My Area?
Although some areas are highlighted yellow showing a lower likelihood for mitigation being needed, it does NOT mean that it is not possible for Radon to exist there. It can, and does still exist in areas highlighted yellow. Many homes within the yellow parts of the state have needed mitigation as well.
What If My Radon Testing Results Suggest Mitigation?
Radon within your home is fixable. Simply call a radon mitigation company and schedule a consultation! They will explain what mitigation options they offer and what to expect.
How do you conduct the radon inspection test?
A charcoal canister is placed in compliance with governing guidelines for a minimum of 2 and maximum of 6 days. The charcoal canister is then retrieved and sent to a laboratory for analysis. During the time the test is conducted, normal coming and going through doors is acceptable, however, all other doors and windows should remain closed. Prior to the test, closed conditions should occur for at least 12 hours as well.
MYTH: Radon is not present if you are on a slab.
TRUTH: Not to be forgotten, homes built on a slab are also at risk for high radon levels. As a matter of fact, homes built on a slab to not have the ‘buffer’ of a basement or crawl space to absorb and dissipate radon gas before it enters the living area of a home.
Where Can I Learn More about radon inspections and testing?
Click here for more information.