During a walk through the neighborhood, have you ever noticed a tall plastic pipe attached to the side of a home that extends from the ground towards the roof?  Chances are this pipe is part of the home’s radon mitigation system.  Since, according to the EPA,  Locust Grove, VA is in a high radon zone, it is important for homeowners to be aware of the presence of radon in their homes and the health concerns associated with radon exposure.  

What is radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring gas created when metals like uranium, thorium, or radium break down in water or soil.  As it forms, radon moves from the soil to the air above where it disperses.  Unlike an open field where the radon can be released and diluted in the air, homes act as a balloon trapping the radon inside.  Radon can enter homes through small cracks or holes like openings for sump pumps.  

Why is radon bad?

Because radon is odorless and colorless, many people have prolonged exposure to it and don’t even realize.  Researchers have found a direct link between exposure to radon and lung cancer.  According to EPA estimates, radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers.

How is radon found in a home?

A simple test can be done to identify the level of radon in your home.  If you are buying a home, you can complete a radon test as part of the home inspection.  The home inspector will set up a test kit in the basement or lowest level of the home since this is where radon levels would be the highest.  

If you did not do a radon test before purchasing your home, then you can still order a test kit to check the radon levels in your home.  Get one from the Virginia department of health for only three dollars!

The test is not hard to do, but please make sure to read and follow the directions exactly as printed to ensure that you get an accurate test result.  As a Locust Grove Realtor®, I’ve seen a few off the charts radon results that were really due to a child or pet thinking the test kit was a new toy and playing with it.  After testing is complete, it takes a few days to receive results.  

When should I test for radon?

Since radon levels in homes are higher in the winter than summer, it is suggested to avoid testing in the summer.  Before you set up a test, check the weather.  If there are going to be a few days of unusually heavy rain or wind, you should wait until after the weather event to begin the test.  The heavy rain and wind can cause temporarily high levels of radon in your home that aren’t typical.

What if my home has radon? Should I walk away from the sale of a home with radon?

Any test result greater than 4 pCi/l is considered hazardous by the EPA.  Even though a high level of radon can seem like a scary thing, the good news is that it can be corrected!  Mitigation systems can be installed to remove the radon from your home.  The most common uses a vent pipe system with a fan to pull the radon from your home to the outside.  There are professionals who can install the systems for you. After the system is installed, it is important to test again to make sure everything is functioning properly.   Many new construction homes are now being built with a passive radon system already in place, so a homeowner can install a fan if necessary.

If you decide to test your home and find high levels of radon, I can share some recommendations of radon mitigation companies with you.