Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is radon?
Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas. You cannot see, smell or taste radon, but it may be a problem in your home. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, you’re at high risk for developing lung cancer. Some scientific studies of radon exposure indicate that children may be more sensitive to radon. This may be due to their higher respiration rate and their rapidly dividing cells, which may be more vulnerable to radiation damage.
Q: How much will it cost to fix my radon problem?
The cost is dependent on your needs. Generally, radon mitigation costs approximately $1,000 to $1,800. For more information regarding fees, please call us at (303) 834-9652.
Q: What are the health risks?
Almost all scientists agree that radon is a health hazard to humans. However, the exact risk calculation and the action level usually raise debate. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has declared radon to be a “Class A Carcinogen”, proven to cause lung cancer in humans. Radioactive solid particles are created as the radon gas decays. These particles become trapped in your lungs, and as the particles break down further, they release small bursts of energy that can damage lung tissue and lead to lung cancer. Although not everyone exposed to elevated levels of radon will develop lung cancer, the dangers are significant.
Q: What levels are too high?
Radon is measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air. A picocurie is a measure of the amount of radioactivity of a particular substance. The level of radon in outdoor air is about 0.4 pCi/L. The EPA has established 4.0 pCi/L as the action level for radon in homes, schools and workplaces.
Q: How does radon get into homes?
Radon is a soil gas that typically moves up through the ground to the air above. Air pressure inside a home is usually lower than pressure in the soil around the home’s foundation. Homes draw radon in through dirt floors, hollow-block walls, cracks in the foundation floor and walls, and openings around floor drains, pipes and sump pumps. Any home may have a radon problem, including new, old, well-sealed or drafty homes.
Q: Should every home be tested for radon?
Yes, every home should be tested for radon, since testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. Both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes.
Q: I already have an existing radon mitigation system; should I still test my home?
Yes – the home should be tested to make certain the mitigation system is still functioning effectively. It is recommended the home also be tested every two years thereafter.
Q: How do you reduce (mitigate) radon levels in existing homes?
There are two schools of thought on radon mitigation, or reduction. One is to prevent the radon from entering the structure and the other is to remove the radon after it enters the structure. Generally, the best approach is to prevent the radon from entering, although this is not always possible. Some of the techniques used to mitigate radon are soil depressurization, sealing cracks and joints, or a combination of the two. Sealing foundation joints and cracks is rarely sufficient as a standalone mitigation technique. Soil depressurization, the most common approach, involves installing a mitigation system, which effectively draws gas from the soil, routing it outside away from the structure. It is recommended that all measurements and mitigation be performed by a NEHA (National Environmental Health Association) certifies radon professional.