THOSE RADON WORRIES Prepared by Gloria Brda Radon gas can be a worry for homeowners, and future purchasers. This naturally reoccurring substance has been found in homes throughout the county. Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas. It is undetectable without sophisticated testing. Radon has been linked in some diseases and environmental experts suggest that your basement and first floor living space be tasted. If radon gas is detected, it can be removed with a ventilation system. Radon testing can be done on your own also. Radon detectors are available at hardware stores or by calling The Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety (IDNS) for a list of licensed laboratories that sell detectors. Radon detectors come in a variety of shapes. Charcoal detectors are short-term test kits. Alpha track detectors are long-term tests. If your initial test result is below 4 picoCuries per liter, there is no action necessary. You may want to retest sometime in the future. If the test results are higher than 4 piC/L, the IDNS recommends actively mitigating you home to obtain a reading under 4.0. Installing a mitigation system that collects radon prior to its entry into the house and discharges it to a safe location-usually outside can lower indoor radon levels. Any home can have elevated radon levels. It doesn't necessarily matter if your house is old or new or whether it has a basement, crawlspace, or slab-on-grade foundation. Most radon enters a home because of air pressure and temperature differentials between the indoor and outdoor air temperature. When air is exhausted by natural or powered ventilation, make-up air is drawn in through openings in the foundation from the surrounding soil. If you are concerned about radon in your home, you can have it tested. You can contact your nearest branch of the EPA for information about how to find a reputable company qualified to perform tests in your local area. If you are buying a home in an area where radon has been prevalent, you might consider including a radon rest as part of your home inspection clause. If you are planning to sell your home, you can test if for radon before placing it on the market. If there is no problem, your fears will be put to rest! [ Back to Gloria's Library of Helpful Articles ] Gloria Brda, Realtor Associate® RE/MAX CENTER 100 N. Atkinson Road, Suite 106 Grayslake, Illinois 60030 Toll Free: 800.257.REMAX Office: 847.223.7878 x3021 Fax: 847.223.1703 www.gloriabrda.com Real Estate in Northern Illinois ©1999-2007 Gloria Brda