RADON

Radon gas comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. The gas is a form of ionizing radiation and a proven carcinogen. It can enter any type of building, including homes, offices and schools. Radon gas originates in the earth’s bedrock and eventually rises to the ambient air, making it ubiquitous to the everyday world. It is especially noted to cause health concerns inside buildings, where the gas enters through the building’s sub-slab, rises and disperses throughout a given indoor setting. The gas is prone to move through the ground floor of a building through cracks in the floors or walls, joints, gaps around pipes, sumps and other holes or cavities in the walls or foundation. Radon can enter the home even when no visible cracks exist. A house can trap the radon gas inside, where it can build up. Based on the nature and dynamics of the gas, both you and your family are most likely to receive your greatest exposure at home, where you spend most of your time.

What are the risks?

You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it. A majority of our population would have never guessed that, according to the U.S. Surgeon General and American Lung Association, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer next to smoking. Radon is 5 to 6 times more dangerous to your lungs than secondhand smoke. If you smoke and your home has elevated radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.

Radon Testing is a Simple Process

The most common method of testing radon is through a short-term test using charcoal canisters. Radon tests occur frequently during the real estate process of selling/buying a home. As such, realtors are in need of getting the test results in a timely fashion.

What if the radon test exceeds the Action Level?

The big thing property owners want to know is what to do if the big radon test comes up as a “fail.” There is a fix to most anything and elevated radon gas can be properly mitigated to ensure a healthy living environment.

If a home/building has elevated radon gas do not worry. ACC has a great working relationship with certified radon companies that all have excellent success rates in mitigating properties throughout California.

For More information on Radon Testing see our Resources