When I wrote last week’s blog my intention was to add to it this week. Even though I have discussed Radon gas in a previous post titled “Radon – Odorless, Colorless & Deadly”, I feel it necessary to bring it up again while discussing what to consider before finishing your basement.
The funny thing is the day after I published my blog; there was an article in the Northwest Herald about the dangers of Radon Gas in McHenry County. I guess great minds really do think alike.
Why do homeowners finish their basements? Most times the answer to that question is for the extra living space. Maybe it is going to be a place for the kids to play, for the teenagers to hang out, or maybe even a place for Dad to get away. Whatever that reason happens to be, it usually means someone is going to be spending time down there.
Video courtesy of a group of teens at Wheaton North High School who are helping spread the message about radon’s health hazards across Illinois.
I’m not going to bore you with the details, but there is a long, technical reason involving half lives and other scientific terms that back this up, but the lower levels of a home tend to have the higher concentrations of radon gas. If you remember, Radon gas is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers in the US and the number two cause overall. More information about Radon can be found on the Environmental Protection Agency website.
High levels of Radon can be, in most cases, easily remediated but it is much easier and more cost effective to have done before the basement is finished. If your basement is already finished, it is not too late to test for Radon. Testing is quick and easy.
Our Radon technician is a Licensed Measurement Professional in the state of Illinois. Give us a call today to schedule your Radon test at 847 669 9040.
That is a great question we should be asking ourselves. In our daily lives we all face a variety of health risks. Whether you are driving in a car, flying on a plane, or spending time at home; you are being exposed to environmental pollutants that pose varying degrees of risk. Some of these risks are unavoidable. However, indoor air pollution is one risk that you can do something about.
Some of the most common pollutants in a typical home are:
• Mold spores
• Radon Gas
• Off gassing of chemicals
• Disruption of hazardous materials present in the home
What can be done to improve Your Indoor Air Quality?
To control mold, you must control moisture in your home. Make repairs to any areas that are allowing moisture to enter the home. It is important to totally dry water damaged areas within 48 hours to prevent mold growth. Obviously you cannot prevent all moisture from getting in, but you can provide adequate ventilation in those areas. If mold is a problem in your home, get rid of excess water or moisture and then clean up the mold.
Radon gas is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America and claims an estimated 20,000 lives annually. The first step is to have your home tested for elevated levels of Radon. If the levels in your home are above 4 picocuries per liter of air, make arrangements to have a radon mitigation system installed in your home.
Off gassing is the release of synthetic compounds used in a variety of common products. The best way to avoid off gassing is to avoid the products that are likely to give off gas. If that is not possible, regular air movement and proper ventilation can aid in keeping the effects to a minimum.
Most hazardous building materials, including asbestos and lead paint, become a risk when they are disturbed. If there is any question at all if your house contains either of those materials, please have it tested prior to doing anything that may disturb them.
If you have any comments or questions about today’s blog or any other topic relevant to home maintenance, feel free to call our office at 847 669 9040. Thanks for visiting!
Radon Gas is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in the US. It is estimated by the IEMA that 1,160 Illinois citizens develop Radon related lung cancer annually. The US Surgeon General stated “breathing radon over long periods of time can present a significant health risk to families all over the US.”
You shouldn't have to wear this in your home!
Radon is a naturally occurring cancer-causing radioactive gas that can be found all over the United States. You can’t see it, taste it or smell it. Radon comes from the natural radioactive breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air that you breathe.
The first priority is determining the level of radon in your home. Like I said earlier, Radon is odorless, tasteless and colorless. The only way to tell how much radon is in your home is to test for it. The best way to test for it is by hiring a licensed radon measurement professional. The Radon Industry Licensing Act requires measurement professionals and mitigation professionals each be licensed by IEMA.
Once the test is complete you will be given the results. The EPA has established guidelines in reference to the “acceptable” level of Radon in a residence. If your home is at or above this level, it is recommended that a radon mitigation system be installed. Then it is recommended to retest to be sure the mitigation system is operating as planned.
For more information on radon gas, visit www.radon.illinois.gov or call our office at 847.669.9040.
To schedule a Radon Inspection by itself or together with a maintenance inspection, call our office now.
Dave Novalinski and About Your Home Inspection service has given me not only peace of mind about my mother's house but Dave has helped maintain the house. He was always willing to help me with repairs and the repairs were done in the most professional way. Dave's thorough weekly 'Vacation Inspections' of my mother's house gave me peace of mind and that is so very important. - Debra Mitchell
likely to give off gas. If that is not possible, regular air movement and proper ventilation can aid in keeping the effects to a minimum.
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