How Radon Gas Enters A Home!
We’ve had reason in recent days to re-investigate the risks of radon gas to our health. We got a lot of help from Elizabeth James, radon maven. [Thanks, Liz!]
The news is not good!
Radon, you will remember, is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, radioactive gas—the product of decomposing uranium deep in the earth.
Radioactive?
That can’t be good.
You’re right, it’s not.
According to the U. S. EPA online radon is a very serious threat to our health.
Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to EPA estimates. Overall, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. About 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked. [emphasis mine, ed.]
It’s everywhere. But, mostly, it’s in your house!
A silent, invisible, odorless, tasteless, radioactive killer gas is sneaking into my home to give me cancer? R-I-G-H-T!
Sounds like another eco-maniacal greenie off the deep end doesn’t it?
It’s not.
(BTW, our sincerest apology to all ecologically concerned individuals whom we may have just offended. We’re just trying to drive home a point here—not make a political statement. Really.)
And there’s more bad news.
You are at a greater risk of dangerous exposure to this killer stuff here in central Ohio than most other places!
Uh Oh!
This is serious business, and you need to find out more about the risk to you and your family and what you can do about it.
Do it because there are reasonable ways to reduce exposure. Do it because you want to be here for your grandchildren. (Okay, here’s the real reason. Simon says “Do it.”)
The EPA has a free booklet available on line that provide excellent general information. There is an additional free publication that addresses the special concerns of those considering buying or selling a home.
Possibly the best source of good information about radon in the central Ohio area is our new friend Elizabeth
How We Are Exposed To Radon Gas!
James at the Ohio Department of Health. (You were wondering when we were going to get back to her, didn’t you? Thanks for staying with us.)
Call Liz at 800-523-4439 and ask her some questions about this stuff. She’s an expert. Find out how serious this really is…and what you can do about it.
Go ahead call her…she’s really nice.
Tell her we said “Hi”.
You smokers with children. [You know who you are.] Stop smoking now and call Liz. Your risk is like 100 times worse! No kidding. Do it right now.
(This health safety blog story was reproduced from the “Buyershome Journal” blog – July 31, 2007)
My Buyer Broker Advocate! 
5 comments
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June 20, 2012 at 3:08 pm
radon waukesha
radon is the number 2 cause of lung cancer, I wish that more people would know about radon gas and would know to test their home for radon gas so that it would cut down on people getting lung cancer!
June 20, 2012 at 5:03 pm
Michael
Thank you for your comment. Good information.
Take care,
HomeBuyer Advocate Mike
October 27, 2010 at 10:44 am
Ed Lep
Thank you for your response…bad day yesterday 😉 I would highly recommend that you look into HRV and ERV’s. They help tremendously with the problems of indoor air issues and help in many other ways. Cheers.
October 25, 2010 at 7:56 pm
ed lep
You should get a job with FOX news…what an alarmist you are! Do you know how the number was chosen by the EPA as to what’s harmful? Do you know the studies? Do you know how tests and how they are performed, how closely they imitate real world conditions? Do you know other devises that are used in different countries that will do away with this problem?
My fingers are tired, too many questions in your, once again, sill article.
October 25, 2010 at 8:47 pm
Michael
Hi Ed, Thanks for your comment. I am not alarmist. Radon is a serious concern in Ohio. We have 2 areas (Dublin and Granville) that are typically in the Top 15 for highest radon levels. Radon is easily the most requested hazaradous material inspection that are Buyer client requests (radon, lead, mold/mildew and asbestos). This is my 15th year as Buyer Broker. I have read many studies. The best test for radon is a 48 hour continous montioring test. But, even these tests are not fool proof. Some Sellers can try and manipulate the results by opening windows and doors but the best testing machines can deduct if there are fluctuations in air. EPA recommends action taken if you have 4.0 picocuries. Radon has been proven 100% to cause cancer. But, the min. 4.0 picocuries has nothing to do with medical research. EPA came up with this min. amount as the most reasonable cost to mitgate. In our area, to mitgate for radon would cost approx. $800 – $1,500. If EPA had the min. picouries at 2.0 would probably cost $5,000 – $10,000. Again, thank you for your comment and feedback. Please try and be more constructive and have some usual info and advice. Thank you. HomeBuyer Advocate Mike