By Bonnie Roseman, July 28, 2018
Do you know what radon is? Do you know why you should care?
According to the World Health Organization, “Radon is a chemically inert, naturally occurring, radioactive gas. It has no smell, colour, or taste, and is produced from the natural radioactive decay of uranium which is found in rocks and soil”. Basically, the story goes, that a long, long time ago, there were floods carrying granite deposits that are still in the ground and granite is a big culprit when it comes to radon.
You can check your zip code on this radon map from the Portland Tribune, but keep in mind the level can vary from one home to the next. Sometimes the level can even vary in one residence over time, or when certain conditions change.
Due to limited time during real estate transactions short term tests are usually the starting point for discovery, but a long term test will give a more realistic picture. I am giving away a long term test kit. Click here to like this post on Instagram to get your name in the drawing.
EPA recommends you begin with a short term test for more immediate results. If your result is 4 pCi/L or higher, take a follow up test to be sure.
Depending on the results of your first test, follow up with either a long-term test or a second short term test. If your first test results are 4 to 8 pCi/L follow up with a long-term test. If your first test results are 8 pCi/L or above, follow up with another short-term test. If the average of your two short-term tests is 4 pCi/L or above, or the result of your long-term test was 4 pCi/L or above, fix your home. To learn more about how to fix your home, visit About Radon Mitigation.
If your test results are below the action level of 4.0 pCi/L, you may want to re-test in two to five years. You should test again if anything is done to the house that may change the air pressure like home renovation or the installation of new heating or air conditioning systems.
Why do you care what your radon level is in your home? Because radon is a leading cause of cancer. The good news is that having a mitigation system installed is totally doable and will not break the bank. Enter my drawing on my Instagram post by Sunday, August 5th for a chance to win a free test kit!
Bonnie Roseman
Principal Broker | Earth Advantage | ADU Specialist | OR
She/Her
Hello, we’re so glad you’re here! My team and I are ready to answer all of your real estate questions and help you make a move when the time is right...
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- T: 503-515-5973
- bonnie@livingroomre.com
