Frequently Asked Questions
 Q.
What
is radon?
A. Radon originates from uranium. Over billions of years it gradually
changes into radon gas. This gas is free to move up out of the soil and
into the air above.
Q. Why
is radon harmful?
A. Radon causes lung cancer. In fact, it's the leading cause of lung cancer among non
smokers. The
particles (radon decay products) created by radon as it continues to
radioactively change can be breathed into the lungs. These products
stick on the walls of the air passages leading to the lungs and on
the lung tissue itself.
Q.
Does
radon cause other health effects?
A. There is no current evidence radon causes any other illnesses.
Q. What
is the safe level of radon?
A. No level of radon is safe. EPA recommends an average short term
test should be less than 4.0 pCi/L. If your average is at or above 4.0
pCi/L then you should mitigate your home.
Q. What is the difference between the
activated charcoal (AC) canister versus the continuous monitor radon
(CRM) test?
A.
The AC gives one average of radon concentration over the exposed time
and is analyzed in the lab. The CRM prints an hourly average over the
exposed period and can print out at the time of retrieval. Both devices
are exposed a minimum of 48 hours, a maximum of 72 hours.
Q. Which device
is more accurate?
A.
They are equally accurate. The CRM, however, supplies you with more
information.
Q. What is the benefit of having more
information?
A. The CRM allows you to see how high the radon concentration reaches
within the 48 - 72 hour period of exposure.
Q. What is a radon sub slab depressurization system?
A. A technique that mechanically creates a suction on the soil beneath
the structure (home). Because the suction produced by the system under
the house is greater than the suction exerted by the house, the radon is
vacuumed out of the soil before it has a chance to enter the home. The
system’s vacuum is created by an in-line fan. The fan is attached to a
depressurization piping system and operates continuously, creating a
vacuum on the radon entry points. The radon can be captured and safely
vented away from the home.
Q. What is the cost of the radon system?
A. A radon system can usually range from $795.00 to $1200.00.
Q. How long does it take to install?
A. The typical system will take approximately 4 hours to install. |
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