Radon in the Salem Area
CLICK HERE FOR THE INTERACTIVE MAP
Radon gas is a very real and serious health threat to the US population. It is a leading cause of lung cancer and the EPA attributes about 21,000 deaths per year from radon exposure (second only to smoking). More importantly Salem has moderate levels of radon in several zip codes. For a more interactive map click HERE. To get a detailed understanding of radon levels per zip code click HERE.
RADON TESTING
Radon should be tested for at least 48 hours. A kit can be purchased at your local hardware store for around $20.00 however these kits are not approved for Real Estate transactions. For about $45.00 you can order an approved test kit from Accustar however results will not be available for up to 10 business days. HD Home Inspections offers commercial grade radon tests with instant results after the minimum 48 hour test period. Click HERE for pricing. Remember: Because the equipment is so sensitive it cannot be moved once the test begins! A vacant house or an unused room in the lowest point of the home is best since the results can be nullified if the instrument is disturbed.
WHAT IS RADON?
Radon is an odorless, colorless radioactive gas that is emitted from soil and rocks as it decays. Because it is an environmental gas it is impossible to avoid completely. But within confined spaces radon levels can elevate. The gas can make its way from the soil under a home into the living space through joints, seams and other gaps in building components. Some locations emit higher levels of radon than others and just because one house has elevated levels does not mean the one next door does as well. Radon is measured in “picocuries” which is a standard of measurement for radioactive decay. Anything above 4 picocuries requires mitigation measures according to the EPA.
OPTIONS . . . . .
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF ELEVATED LEVELS OF RADON ARE FOUND?
There are several proven methods to reduce radon in your home depending on the type of home you have. For basements or homes built on a slab foundation, a vent pipe system and fan are installed into the concrete, which pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it to the outside. This system, known as a soil suction radon reduction system, does not require major changes to your home. Sealing foundation cracks and other openings makes this system more effective and cost-efficient.
If your home has a crawl space, a higher grade vapor barrier is installed and sealed along the foundation wall. A vent pipe is then grounded into the soil under the membrane so that radon is vented to the outside of the house in the same manner.
Crawl Space Radon Mitigation System
Basement Radon Mitigation System
Vent Pipe
