Some of the Numbers are Alarming

Of All Homes Tested
The combined average of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Bronx, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester County and Putnam County
Was That Almost 10% of The Homes Tested Had
Cancer Causing Radon Levels

If you are buying a home.... just think about it.... you must have looked at twenty different homes.... according to recent statistics, odds are that at least
Two Of Them Had Cancer Causing Radon Levels

If you are a homeowner.... you have yourself and your family to think about

Get Your Home Tested!!!!! - Schedule A Radon Inspection

Why Is Radon Testing Important?

Radon is a tasteless, odorless, colorless, cancer-causing natural radioactive noble gas that occurs naturally in soil and rock from the decay of radium, but can leak into our homes through openings in the foundation floor or walls, and is probably the most pervasive serious hazard for indoor air in the United States and Europe; probably responsible for tens of thousands of lung cancer deaths per annum. Radon is a member of the zero-valence elements that are called noble or inert gases, and is also fairly soluble in water and organic solvents. Radon is a significant contaminant that affects indoor air quality worldwide. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is a national environmental health problem that may be found in rock formations beneath buildings or in certain building materials themselves. Naturally harmlessly dispersed in outdoor air, but when trapped in buildings, can be harmful at elevated levels, radon is by far the greatest single source of radiation exposure to the general public. 

Radon is a decay product of uranium, which is relatively common in the earth's crust, but generally concentrated in ore-bearing rocks scattered around the world, and in water. Minor amounts of radon can enter a home through water from private wells and be released through showers, washing machines and faucets, also being a very heavy gas means it will tend to accumulate at the floor level. This means testing in the lowest level that you currently live in or a lower level not currently used, but which a buyer could use for living space without renovations. Radon is found at elevated levels in one in 15 homes across the United States, and its radioactive isotopes can be cancer-causing if the concentration and exposure is too high. Used to predict earthquakes, in the study of atmospheric transport, and in exploration for petroleum and uranium, also used in the treatment of various diseases including cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and ulcers, radon is still produced for therapeutic use by a few hospitals by pumping it from a radium source and sealing it in minute tubes, called seeds or needles, for application to patient.

Radon is measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L), a measurement of radioactivity. If the house tests above 20 pCi/L most experts agree it is prudent to install a system that can permanently reduce your family’s exposure to radon.  If the house tests below 4 pCi/L most experts agree that there is a relatively low probability of significant health risk at this low level of exposure.  If the house tests between 4 and 20 pCi/L there is no need for immediate panic, but you will have to make some difficult decisions. Test your home every two years, and retest any time you move, make structural changes to your home, or occupy a previously unused level of a house. Testing is relatively inexpensive, easy and is the only way to know whether you are at risk for exposure, and requires closing windows and outside doors at least 12 hours before beginning. You should test in the lowest level of the home which is suitable for occupancy.  Do not conduct short-term tests during severe storms or periods of high winds. Follow the testing instructions and record the start time and date, placing the test device at least 20 inches above the floor in a location where it will not be disturbed and where it will be away from drafts, high heat, high humidity, and exterior walls.  Leave the test kit in place for as long as the inspector says, and once you have finished the test, record the stop time and date, reseal the package and return it immediately to the lab specified on the package for analysis. 

 A buyer may also ask for a new test if your state or local government requires disclosure of radon information to buyers.  There are several ways to prevent or detect test interference: Use a test device that frequently records radon or decay product levels to detect unusual swings; employ a motion detector to determine whether the test device has been moved or testing conditions have changed; use a proximity detector to reveal the presence of people in the room which may correlate to possible changes in radon levels during the test; record the barometric pressure to identify weather conditions which may have affected the test; record the temperature record to help assess whether doors and windows have been opened; apply tamper-proof seals to windows to ensure closed house conditions; and have the seller/occupant sign a non-interference agreement.  There is always potential for test interference in real estate transactions. Make sure you and your family is safe with radon testing from Olympian Civil Home and Building Inspections (866) 476-2056 and contact Inspector D. Kanakis.

Measured Basement Screening Radon Levels by County
More Counties Can Be Found At The NYS DOH Website