Radioactive radon gets in home when soil breaks down naturally

Although most of us have heard it mentioned, most people have little knowledge about radon gas. The following may help dispel myths and clarify the risks of radon exposure.

Q What is radon?

A Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that results from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil. Radon levels are measured in pico curies per liter of air (pCi/L). The EPA recommends that houses with readings of 4 pCi/L be fixed.

What are the risks of radon?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that radon is a leading cause of lung cancer, second only to cigarette smoking. The EPA estimates that approximately 20,000 people in the United States die of radon exposure yearly, 600 of them from Georgia.

What are potential sources of radon in my home?

Radon typically enters the home from two sources. The most common source is from the ground under and around the house through cracks in the foundation. Second, radon can enter the home through well water. Showering, washing dishes or doing laundry disturbs the water and releases radon gas into your home.

Is there radon in Georgia?

The simple answer is yes. In an article in the Sept. 12 edition of the Gainesville Times, it was revealed that the city of Helen is shutting down one of its five wells due to high radon content in the water.

The EPA has published a map of radon risk in the United States by county. According to this map, the four counties with the highest risk in Georgia are Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett and Cobb. For a more thorough county by county breakdown, visit the Air Chek Web site at www.radon.com or call 1-800-247-2435.

How can I test my home for radon?

Simple and inexpensive kits for testing radon in the air are available for purchase from some counties. You can also buy the kits at some home improvement stores. Make sure that you follow the instructions in the kit. If you prefer, you can hire a certified radon testing company. Certified companies typically charge around $200. Make sure the company is certified by the National Environmental Health Association or the National Radon Safety Board. Kits for testing water for radon are available for about $10. One source is Pro-Lab at www.reliablelab.com or 1-800-427-0550. A certified testing company can also do water testing. A list of such companies is available from the Georgia Department of Community affairs at www.dca.state.ga.us or by calling the state radon office at 1-800-275-8421.

Can elevated radon levels be fixed?

Elevated radon levels in the air can be fixed by a certified radon mitigation contractor. A typical system involves a pipe running from under the basement floor to the exterior of the house. The pipe will include a fan that discharges the radon before it enters the house. Expect to pay between $800 and $3,000 for a typical mitigation system. Radon in water can also be eliminated by a certified mitigation contractor. Typically, one of two methods is used for doing so. In one method, a granulated carbon filter removes the radon from the water. In the other, an aeration device inserts bubbles of air into the water before it enters the house. The bubbles release the radon into the air.

Do you have a home repair question? Send e-mail to Ask the Inspector at homestyle@ajc.com.