There are many sites that give a slew of facts about an assortment of topics. While some seem to be providing beneficial information, not everything you read is true. When it comes to radon, you want to make sure you are getting all the proper information. It’s critical to gain a full understanding of the true hazards of radon prior to testing and hiring a radon contractor.
1. Myth: Radon is NOT Dangerous
According to the U.S. EPA and the American Lung Association, among many others, radon is extremely harmful to your health. In fact, radon causes at least 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the U.S. alone. There are numerous associations that discuss the harmful effects of radon, including the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control.
2. Myth: Radon Tests are Pricey
One of the most common radon myths is that testing is expensive and takes a while. In reality, you can buy a short-term radon test for as little as $15, including analysis. Short-term test kits, for tests from 2-4 days, are best for obtaining quick radon results. Use a long-term test kit (91 days to one year) when you want to confirm radon levels that reflect seasonal changes. The cost of a long-term test kit is about $25, including analysis.
3. Myth: New Homes Do Not Have Radon
Even if you built a home yesterday and move in today, your home could still have high levels of radon unless it has had a radon system built in during construction. If it was built with an active system, be sure to obtain the post-construction radon test results or test for radon yourself. Since radon comes up from the soil and rock beneath your home’s foundation, it can seep into your home through cracks or other entry points. Radon levels are dependent on soil, construction and atmospheric conditions, not the age of your home.
4. Myth: Only Certain States Have High Radon Levels
There are a multitude of blogs out there that claim you only need to worry about radon in certain states. Since radon levels are dependent on soil composition, home construction materials, atmospheric conditions and other factors, it can be in any home, anywhere. Hazardous levels of radon have been found in homes across all 50 states. Even if you live in Florida, for example, and your neighbors have low levels of radon, this does not mean your home will necessarily have low radon levels. The EPA Radon Zone Map should only be used as a guideline and not a definitive measure of whether or not your home has a radon issue.
5. Myth: You Can’t Sell Your Home if You’ve Had High Radon Levels in the Past
Of course potential home buyers will be a bit concerned when there are unaddressed radon problems. However, if you’ve taken the appropriate action to reduce radon levels in your home, you can still sell your property. You can have a radon mitigation system installed to reduce high radon levels.
If you are in need of a radon mitigation professional, fill out our Find a Radon Mitigation Professional form today. We work with a network of certified and insured radon contractors throughout the country, so whichever state you reside in, you will be referred to a radon professional qualified to install a radon system to reduce radon levels in your home.
