Recently while attending a trade show I entered into a conversation with an inspector from Protech about Radon. He proceeded to tell me that many areas of Michigan do have radon and it is the #2 leading cause of Lung Cancer. Of course, I was very surprised because although it is listed on our Sellers Disclosure it is a test very rarely done in our area. In fact, in 20 years I have maybe seen 5-10 tests done and they were done by a relocation company.
Now here's the best part the EPA radon chart for Macomb County Michigan is Zone 3 less than 2 pCi/L or Low Potential. The EPA acceptable level is 4, so this maybe why many are not concerned.
But since Protech offered me a Free Home Testing Kit we took it, hung it in our basement as instructed and sent it in to the lab. Shortly after we received a call saying our level was 9.8. So we decided to get a second opinion and hired Matt from Sherlock Homes Inspection. Now this test was much more detailed and cost us money. It was performed with a machine that was placed in our basement for 48 hours and the machine checked our Radon levels 50 times. Our high level was 11.2 our low level 5.4 and the average came in at 7.8. Remember the EPA safe level is 4.We are going to have it removed by having it vented outside via our sump hole as suggested by both companies and the EPA.
Now back to my orginial question- How does the EPA determine Radon Levels? Well lets just say I will find out. You can bet ALL my clients past and present will be given this information and I will personally recommend they have their homes tested. In 1991 I quit smoking, the #1 cause of Lung Cancer and I do not think there is enough information about Radon provided to the general public.
January is National Radon Action Month get involved and be sure you test. Radon Fact Sheet.
Great post!
An interesting thing about Radon gas is you can have a neighbor with an acceptable range while your own home may be well above what is recommended. The EPA map does show us "hot zones" but having a test done is the only way to know for sure.
And I agree Radon seems to be one of those unknown dangers to many. In fact I almost never have a client ask me for a Radon test and most don't understand the importance of getting one. When you consider the low cost of testing for Radon it just makes sense to do it just in case. One of the nice things I've found about Mitigators is they guarantee their equipment will take the levels below 4 pCiL as recommended.