Advanced Radon Mitigation provides education, measurement and mitigation services to Lake Gaston and surrounding areas.
RESOURCES ON THE WEB
The National Radon Safety Board
http://www.nrsb.org
EPA website on Radon - packed with GREAT proven information!
http://www.epa.gov/radon/
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
North Carolina Radon Program
http://www.ncradon.org
Virginia Department of Health
Virginia Radon Program
http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/radiologicalhealth/Radon/
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should you know about Radon?
• Radon is a Class-A Carcinogen and is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, behind smoking.
• Elevated levels of Radon have been found across Lake Gaston.
• The EPA recommends that EVERY home in the United States be tested for Radon and highly recommends the installation of a radon reduction system if a home has a radon level of 4.0 pCi/L or higher.
What is Radon? Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from decaying uranium in the soil, rock and water. It is invisible, tasteless and odorless and gets into the air we breathe.
Where is Radon? Radon is found everywhere, not just in rocky areas. All homes, even those on crawlspaces, create areas of low pressure that draw in radon gas through cracks and other holes in the foundation. The gas gets trapped inside the home and cannot escape. Radon can also enter a home through well water. The problem does not come from drinking the water, but rather from inhalation of the particles brought in by plumbing fixtures.
How do I know if my home has elevated levels of Radon? Testing is the only way to know if your home has radon. Homeowners should not rely on radon tests taken from other homes in the same area or neighborhood. Results can vary from home to home.
A short-term radon test is the most common test and is usually a 2-day test. There are a couple of choices homeowners have for testing. The most common testing method is the charcoal canister. The canisters must be sent to a lab for analysis. Results typically take at least a week to be returned and there is some bias in the results. Our company uses a more accurate testing method and we are certified to interpret our own results. We can provide test results on the day we pick up our testing equipment. Our certification also includes training on how to perform tests properly to avoid false readings.
A home should be mitigated if it has a level of 4.0pCi/L or higher. The EPA set the action level at 4.0 picos because 4.0 is a dangerous level. Levels of 5.0pCi/L or 6.0pCi/L should not be interpreted as LOW results.
How do I remove Radon from my home? In the past, homeowners believed that opening the windows and doors periodically would reduce radon levels, but this is not the case. As soon as the windows and doors are closed, radon levels will quickly elevate to as the gas re-accumulates in the home. In most cases, a system with a vent pipe or pipes and fan(s) is used to reduce radon. The systems do not require major changes to the home and can be installed in most types of homes. The system prevents radon from entering the home. The EPA recommends that a homeowner used a radon mitigation contractor that is certified by either the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) or the NEHA (National Environmental Health Association) and that the system conforms to the EPA’s Radon Mitigation Standards.
