| Q. |
What
is radon? |
| A. |
Radon
is a radioactive gas, which comes from the radioactive decay of radium
,which is a fairly common, naturally-occurring mineral in the earth's
crust. Radon goes through a fairly rapid radioactive decay period
with a half-life of 3.82 days, and in about 28 days, all of it has
decayed away leaving only its daughter products which ultimately decay
away to lead 206, the familiar soft metal of a number of uses. The
major risk of radon radiation is in the form of alpha radiation, which
is also a form of ionizing radiation. Alpha radiation from radon is
actually somewhat like two bullets, which are, released the instant
that the radon atom disintegrates into its short-lived daughter products.
These "bullets" are very powerful in a molecular world, and they contain
a comparatively great deal of energy. When they strike a living cell,
they can be disruptive both by creating chemical changes as well as
genetic changes, which may be disruptive to the cell's growth. Usually,
radon reaches an equilibrium concentration within a building wherein
the amount of radon leaking into the building is the same as the rate
that radon decays away and leaks out of the building. It will remain
at that level for extended periods unless ventilation or leakage rates
change, or unless the entry pathway is changed in some manner. |
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| Q. |
How
dangerous is radon? |
| A. |
Radon
exposure over time at sufficient concentrations causes lung cancer,
especially in smokers, and it is believed to be more dangerous to
the very young. The last statistics that I have heard was that lung
cancer is fatal in 95 percent of persons having it. Lung cancer progresses
rapidly, and there is usually only about 6 months from the time of
its occurring until death. |
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| Q. |
Is
radon visible to the human eye or can we smell it? |
| A. |
None
of our five senses can detect the presence of radon. We can detect
its presence only by way of tests, which look for and measure alpha
or gamma radiation of a specific energy level. Do it yourself radon
test kits are reasonably reliable, readily available and inexpensive.
Testing protocol for the tests must be followed. |
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| Q. |
Are
there any symptoms for the inhabitants of a house suspected of having
radon? |
| A. |
So
far as I know, there are no symptoms, except that if one of the residents
contracts lung cancer, it will be but a short period before it is
apparent that the person is very seriously sick. And of course, then
it is too late in almost every case. |
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| Q. |
What
do I need to do to get a radon inspection of my house? |
| A. |
Professional
radon measurement folks are often listed in the telephone yellow pages.
You also may contact your state radon office, which may provide you
with a list of qualified testers. |
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| Q. |
How
effective are the "do it yourself" kits for radon measurement? |
| A. |
I believe
that the kits are of uniformly good quality, and they will provide
you with a reliable indication of the radon exposure, so long as
the testing protocols are follow precisely. The greatest opportunity
for error to be introduced is in the testing protocol, including
the return of the device to the laboratory. Of course, the product
must be listed by name within the EPA device list.
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| Q. |
If
I want to get an outside vendor to do a radon inspection what are
the criteria I should use in finding a reputable vendor? |
| A. |
A
firm who performs both radon testing and radon mitigation is presented
with tempting opportunities for fraud every day. I am also of the
opinion that some of the most ethical folks I have met are engaged
in both measurement and mitigation of radon. I encourage the use of
do it yourself kits, and if there is question of the results or if
the results are adverse, that you call the experts. Get two or more
bids and compare them. |
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| Q. |
Is
there any EPA or other certification for radon inspectors? |
| A. |
In
the past, such was the case. Currently voluntary certification is
available from two voluntary agencies. Most states have mandatory
certification programs. We suspect that some of the public are overly
impressed by lots of credentials in some folk's efforts to dress up
like they know something that others do not. Kinda like the biggest
lawyer ad in the yellow pages. Folks who graduated from Harvard will
never tell you that they did. They will tell you that they went to
school in "the east." |
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| Q. |
How
can I know whether a particular town has a lot of radon in its homes? |
| A. |
It
may not be easy. I suspect that the record-keeping of the state is
frustrated by some measurement and mitigation guys' desire to keep
their success quiet and private. However it is not important if a
town has lots of radon or not. Radon can always be fixed. And the
fixes are usually very reliable. |
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| Q. |
Does
radon effect all the rooms of a house? |
| A. |
Radon
is likely more often found at higher concentrations in a basement
or at ground level. My major radon concern is in bedrooms, children's
play rooms and the rooms where invalids may be. Test those rooms for
sure. |
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| Q. |
At
what level of radon reading in my house should I get concerned? |
| A. |
4.0
picoCuries per Liter is the official EPA "action level." I have heard
it suggested that such level is VERY ROUGHLY the equivalent of smoking
seven cigarettes per day. You may seek a lower exposure. |
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| Q. |
If
I find I have radon in my home how do I get rid of it or is there
no cure? |
| A. |
Radon
cures are usually fairly quick and reliable. If your home has levels
in the thousands! It may likely be reduced to less than 4.0 without
great difficulty. Sometimes a radon reduction from 8 to less than
4 may be much more difficult. |
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| Q. |
Should
I get radon "check ups" for my home? Does the radon level vary? |
| A. |
If
you have a home in which radon work has been done, I suggest an annual
do it yourself test at New Year's. If your home has had modifications
to the heating or air conditioning system, or if you have had renovation
work done, I recommend that you radon test upon completion of such
work. And, you bet, radon levels will vary by time of day, season,
air temperature, precipitation, open or closed interior doors, wind,
and more. Make sure you follow the testing protocols which are provided
with the do it yourself kit, or that you maintain the conditions advised
by your radon test professionals. If you find radon, have your home
tested professionally and mitigated if necessary, to ensure that you
have peace of mind as well as a good, healthy and safe home. CAUTIONARY
NOTE: We suspect that relative humidity increases that may occur in
a hot, humid climate from a certain type of radon mitigation procedure
may be much more dangerous to human health than radon. We suggest
that maintaining an indoor relative humidity of ABOVE 50-55 percent
during cooling periods should be avoided, especially for persons wit
unusual irritability, allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems
but also including rashes, burning eyes, blurring vision, headaches,
and a number of other seemingly unconnected ailments. Visible mold
or moldy odors are powerful clues to a potentially dangerous condition
which may have originated in the unintentional or negligent creation
of a mold and dust mite-favorable high humidity environment The presence
of mold, dust mites and dust mite allergens can be confirmed by blood
tests by the sufferer. |
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| Q. |
How
can I test for indoor humidity levels? |
| A. |
Testing
for indoor relative humidity is the easiest of all. An inexpensive
digital thermo-hygrometer will constantly monitor the onset of a risky
high-humidity condition for the cost of a battery once every three
years. If indoor relative humidity can be maintained below 50 percent
constantly, all dust mites will dehydrate and die within 12 days.
They can then safely be vacuumed up with a HEPA vacuum. They will
not return unless new specimens can absorb the moisture they need
out of the air. Most molds do very poorly at 50 percent relative humidity
unless dew point is reached or unless there are water leaks and moisture.
Molds can thrive in wall cavities where they cannot be seen. If you
see mold, it is likely that it is ten times greater in your home than
you can see. The most important means to control mold and eliminate
dust mites is to maintain relative humidity to 50 percent or less
at all times, to avoid condensation problems, and immediately to repair
and to dry water leaks and all moist materials. Immediately means
within 24 hours. Usually this means you should immediately call for
professional help. Mold cleanup can be very expensive. Moisture and
water extraction is relatively inexpensive. |
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