RADON GAS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SEARCH-need i worry?

Question

I HAVE JUST RECIEVED MY ENVIRONMENTAL SEARCH ON A PROPERTY THAT I AM ABOUT TO BUY AND EVEN THOUGH IT HAS PASSED, IT REFERS TO THE HOUSE BEING IN AN AREA THAT IS WITHIN 25 METRES OF A RADON AFFECTED AREA-DO I NEED TO WORRY?

Answer 1

I am an environmental scientist who has produced thousands of those reports all across the US.  This cavaet has been put into the report to cover the reporting inspectors butt.  Like as not, he/she has not done any actual testing.

RADON is a concern but fortunately it is easy to mitigate against.  It only becomes a problem where it can collect and concentrate.  This is usually in subsurface structures like basements.  Since it is a gas, and since it is only harmful with prolonged exposure and concentrated exposure, the simple installation of a gravel sump with a blower connected to the outside of the house is sufficient.

Testing is a simple affair and is as simple as picking up a RADON kit from Home Depot or other home improvement stor that may carry them.  You set these little tin canisters full of activated carbon in the cellar, basement, or other subsurface area of the home or business.  Let them sit for the prescribed time and send them in to the lab listed on the packaging.

This is much like the LEAD scare the government came up with saying that you have to get rid of all the lead based paint because children are getting disease from lead exposure.  Come on...when's the last time you saw a child gnawing on the window sill?

Answer 2

Hi - I'm a realtor and order these tests often. If the inspector did not monitor for radon, it should be done. Talk to your inspector or realtor. You can get free radon tests - it's important that the windows in the house not be open for at least 24 hours prior to testing and the tests usually have to sit in the home for a couple of days. 4 pc/i is considered high. If there is a high radon reading, the sellers should pay for mitigation. Mitigation is effective and doesn't take long. It can be a bit expensive, (usually between $800 and $1,200) but it's also important. Radon has been linked to cancer. Good luck... hope everything goes well with the new home!

Answer 3

If the house is "new" or built with in the last 10 years, then you may have a problem.  These new houses are "super tight", and dont leave much air to escape.

Or, if some one has insulated the entire house (and did a good job), then you may have a problem there, because air doesnt escape much.

What I would do is ask for an energy audit of the house... (If your really serious about "buying" the house and "you" are willing to pay for the energy audit"), then you will "know" if the house is "super tight", because an energy audit done by your electric or gas company will check and see how much air is "escaping" from the house and if there is a huge amount, (as in older unsulated houses), then you wouldnt have to worry about it, because it will have ample room to escape and not be trapped to harm you.  

Super tight houses, you have to do special things in order to keep the radon gasses out, like venting the area from the bottom of your foundation.

Make sure its the house you want, pay for the energy audit..(a few hundered dollars at least), then you will have a "safe house"...

I wish you well...

Jesse