402-R-93-003
United States
Environmental Protection
402-R-93-003
March 1993
Air and Radiation 6604J
Home Buyer's and
Seller's Guide to Radon
EtsiV
RQNMENT)
PROTECTION i
AGENCY
DA1LAS, TEXAl
IRAKI
-------
EPA Recommends:
If you are planning on buying a home or selling your
home, have it tested for radon.
For new homes, ask if radon resistant construction
features have been used.
Fix the home if the radon level is 4 picocuries per liter
(pCi/L) or higher.
Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a risk, and in
many cases may be reduced.
Take steps to prevent device interference when
conducting a radon test.
30,000
Radon is
estimated
to cause
thousands of
cancer deaths
in the U.S.
each year.
10,000
DRUNK
DRIVING
RADON* BROWNINGS FIRES
AIRLINE
CRASHES
' Radon is estimated to cause about 14,000 deaths per year, however, this number
could range from 7,000 to 30,000 deaths per year. The numbers of deaths from
other causes are taken from 1990 National Safety Council reports.
-------
OVERVIEW p. 1
EPA has developed this guide to help home
buyers and sellers address 8 key questions
about radon:
1. Why Do You Need to Test
for Radon? p. 3
2* If You Are Selling a Home,
What Should You Do? p. 5
3» If You Are Buying a Home,
What Should You Do? p. 7
4« If You Are Buying a Newly-Built
Home, What Should You Do? .... p. 9
5* How Can You Get Reliable
Radon Test Results? p. 10
a. Types of Radon Devices p. 10
b. Length of Time to Test p. 13
C. If You Conduct A Short-Term
Test p. 14
d. Using Testing Devices Properly
(If You Do The Test Yourself) ... p. 15
e. EPA's Testing Checklist p. 16
f. Getting Reliable Test Results
(If You Hire a Professional
Radon Tester) p. 18
g. Interpreting Radon Test
Results p. 18
6. What Should You Do If You
Find a High Radon Level? p. 21
T» Radon Myths/Facts p. 25
8* Where Can You Get More
Information about Radon? p.32
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OVERVIEW ^n's 8u'^e *s f°r anyone buying or selling a
home who wants to learn about radon.
Radon is a cancer-causing,
radioactive gas
You cannot see radon. And you cannot smell
it or taste it. But it may be a problem in your
home. That is because when you breathe air
containing radon, you increase your risk of
getting lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon
General has warned that radon is the second
leading cause of lung cancer in the United
States today. If you smoke and your home
has high radon levels, your risk of lung
cancer is especially high.
You should test for radon
Testing is the only way to find out your
home's radon levels. EPA and the Surgeon
General recommend testing all homes below
the third floor for radon.
You can fix a radon problem
If you find that you have high radon levels,
there are ways to fix a radon problem. Even
very high levels can be reduced to acceptable
levels.
If you are selling a home . . .
EPA recommends that you test your home
before putting it on the market and, if
necessary, lower your radon levels. Save the
test results and all information you have about
steps that were taken to fix any problems.
This could be a positive selling point.
Pages 6 and 13-14 of this Guide make
recommendations about how to test.
-------
f you are buying a home . . .
EPA recommends that you obtain the indoor
adon level in a home you are considering
juying. Ask the seller for radon test results. If
;he home has a radon reduction system, ask
;he seller for information about the system.
If the home has not yet been tested, pages
8 and 14 of this Guide make recommendations
about how to test now.
If you are buying a newly-constructed home,
please refer to page 9.
The radon testing guidelines in the "Home
Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon" have
been developed specifically to deal with the
time sensitive nature of home purchases and
sales and the potential for radon device
interference.
The guidelines in the "Home Buyer's Guide"
are somewhat different from the guidelines in
other EPA publications which provide radon
testing and reduction information for non-real
estate situations. The "Home Buyer's Guide"
recommends three short-term testing options
when long-term testing is not possible. The
"Home Buyer's Guide" also recommends
testing a home in the lowest level of the home
which is currently suitable for occupancy. This
is because a buyer may choose to live in a
lower area of the home than that used by the
seller.
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1
DO
Radon Has Been Found In
Homes All Over the U.S.
Radon is a radioactive gas that has been
found in homes all over the U.S. It comes from
fill NPPfl the natural breakdown of uranium in soil,
Wll 11 0 Oil rock and water and gets into the air you
T0| Tnnt En If breathe. Radon typically moves up through the
III ICwl III ground to the air above and into your home
through cracks and other holes in the
foundation. Your home can trap radon inside.
Sometimes radon enters the home through
well water (see page 24 for more information
about radon in water).
Any home can have a radon problem. This
means new and old homes, well-sealed and
drafty homes, and homes with or without
basements. In fact, you and your family are
RADO/V
-------
most likely to get your greatest radiation
exposure at home. That is where you spend
most of your time.
Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the U.S.
is estimated to have elevated radon levels.
Elevated levels of radon gas have been found
in homes in your state. Contact your state
radon office (see pages 29-31) for information
about radon in your area.
EPA And The Surgeon
General Recommend That
You Test Your Home
Testing is the only way to know if you and
your family are at risk from radon. EPA and
the Surgeon General recommend testing all
homes below the third floor for radon.
OTY Yll CAMIT
ESTIMATE Mill LEVELS
IASEI IN STATE, LOCAL
AMI NEICIIIIIIII
Mill MEASIIEMENTS
Do not rely on radon test
results taken in other
homes in the
neighborhood to estimate
the radon level in your
home. Homes which are
next to each other can
have different indoor
radon levels. While radon
problems may be more
common in some areas in
the local community or
state, any home may have
a problem. Testing your
home is the only way to
find out what your radon
levels are.
FIXEP;
-------
2.
If You Are
Selling
A Home,
What
Should You
Do?
a.
If your home has already
been tested for radon ...
If you are thinking of selling your home and
you have already tested your home for radon,
provide your test results to the buyer. Review
the testing Checklist on page 16 to make sure
that the test was done correctly.
No matter what kind of test you took, a
potential buyer may ask for a new test
especially if:
you took a test and the Checklist items were
not met;
you have renovated or altered your home
since you tested;
the buyer plans to live in a lower level of the
house than you do, such as a basement
which is suitable for occupancy but is not
currently lived in; or
your state requires disclosure of radon
information to buyers.
-------
f the home has not yet
»een tested for radon ...
Have a test taken as soon as possible. If you
:an, test your home before putting it on the
market because this may save time during real
estate transactions. You should test in the
owest level of the home which is suitable for
occupancy and finished. This means testing in
;he lowest level that you currently live in or
a lower level not currently used, but which a
Duyer could use for living space without
renovations. The result of the radon test is
'mportant information about your home's
radon level that potential buyers may want to
know.
You can test your own home or hire an EPA
listed or state certified radon tester. Call your
state radon office (see pages 29-31) for a list
of these professional radon testers. If you test
your own home, carefully follow the Checklist
on page 16.
-------
3.
If You Are
Buying
A Home,
What
Should You
Do?
a.
If the home has already
been tested for radon ...
If you are thinking of buying a home, you
may either decide to accept the test results
from the seller, ask the seller to do another
test, or you may ask for a new test to be
conducted by an EPA listed or state certified
radon tester.
If you decide to accept the seller's test, make
sure that the seller (or whoever took the test)
followed the testing Checklist on page 16 and
that he or she can confirm that all the items
were followed. If you plan to use the seller's
test, find out as soon as possible from the
seller:
the results of the previous test; and
who conducted the previous test: the
homeowner, a radon professional, or some
other person; and
where in the home the previous test was
taken, especially if you may plan to live in a
lower level of the home. For example, the
test may have been taken on the first floor;
however, you may want to live in a
basement which is not currently lived in,
but which is suitable for occupancy without
renovation.
-------
what, if any, structural changes or
alterations have been made to the house
since the test was done. Such changes might
affect radon levels.
If you decide that a new test is needed, you
should discuss it with the seller as soon as
possible. If you decide to use an EPA qualified
or state certified radon tester, contact your
state radon office (see pages 29-31) for a list
of radon testing companies.
b.
Iff the home has not yet
been tested for radon...
Make sure that a radon test is done as soon
as possible. You should consider including pro-
visions in the contract specifying who should
conduct the test, what type of test to do, when
to do the test, and how the seller and the
buyer will share the test results, test costs and,
if necessary, when radon reduction measures
should be taken and who should pay for them.
Make sure that the test is done in the lowest
level of the home suitable for occupancy. This
means the lowest level that you are going to
use as living space which is finished or does
not require renovations prior to use. A state
or local radon official or an EPA listed or state
certified radon tester can help you make some
of these decisions.
If you decide to finish or renovate an
unfinished area of the home in the future,
radon tests should be taken before and after
the area is finished. Radon reduction costs
could be incurred if high levels are found in
that area. Generally, it is less expensive to
install a radon reduction system before or
during renovations rather than afterwards.
8
-------
4
If You Are
Buying A
Newly-Built
Nome, What
Should You
Bo?
New homes can be built with radon
resistant features that minimize radon entry
and allow easier fixing of radon problems that
could occur later. These features cost less if
installed during construction than if added to
an existing home. In most new homes, use of
radon resistant features will keep radon levels
to below 2 pCi/L.
Builders can incorporate radon resistant
features into the homes they build. Some
states, counties and local jurisdictions may
adopt radon resistant construction features in
their building codes, which builders must then
follow. Radon resistant construction standards
can be applied depending on the radon
potential in a particular area. Many builders
already use radon resistant building features.
New home buyers should ask if radon
i
resistant construction techniques have been
built into the new home they are considering
for purchase. Buyers should also ask whether
information about radon is available. For
custom-built homes, the buyer should discuss
radon resistant features with the builder,
including the cost.
Occupants of newly constructed homes
should have their homes tested for radon. A
long-term test will provide a reading that is
more representative of the home's year-round
average radon level. However, short-term tests
(as described on page 13) may be used to
determine if elevated radon levels exist.
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Types of Radon Devices
Since you cannot see or smell radon, special
equipment is needed to detect it. You can buy
radon devices in retail stores when you want
to test your own home, send away for radon
devices from laboratories that offer mail order
services, or you can hire an EPA listed or state
certified radon tester who will test using
radon devices that are appropriate for the
situation.
Preventing or Detecting Test
Interference
There is a potential for test interference in
real estate transactions. There are a number
of ways to prevent or detect test interference
such as:
Print-out report which frequently records
radon or decay product levels to detect
unusual swings;
Motion detectors to determine whether the
test device has been moved or testing
conditions have changed;
Proximity detectors to reveal the presence
of people in the room which may correlate
to possible changes in radon levels during
the test;
Record of barometric pressure to identify
weather conditions which may have
affected the test;
Temperature record to help assess whether
doors and windows have been opened; and
Taping windows shut to ensure closed house
conditions (see page 16).
Home buyers and sellers should evaluate
these and other features when selecting a radon
How Can
You Get
Reliable
Radon Test
Results?
Even though you
cannot see or
smell radon, it is
not hard to find
out if you have a
radon problem in
your home.
10
-------
test alternative. Refer to the "Protocols for
Radon and Radon Decay Measurements in
Homes" for information about radon testing
devices and associated device interference
features.
Some of the most common radon testing
devices are listed below. Because new testing
devices may be listed by EPA or your state, you
may want to check with your state radon
office before you test to get the most up-to-
date information.
Passive Devices
Passive radon testing devices do not need
power to function. They include radon detec-
tors such as charcoal canisters, alpha-track
detectors, and charcoal liquid scintillation
devices that are available in hardware stores,
drug stores, other stores, and by mail, and
electret ion chamber detectors generally only
available through laboratories. They are
exposed to the air in the home for a specified
period of time and then sent to a laboratory
for analysis. Both short-term and long-term
passive devices are generally inexpensive.
Some of these devices may have features that
offer more resistance to test interference or
disturbance than other passive devices.
Professional radon testers may use any of
these devices to measure the home's radon
level.
Active Devices
Active radon testing devices require power
to function. Active radon detectors such as
continuous radon monitors and continuous
working level monitors require operation by
trained testers. They work by continuously
measuring and recording the amount of radon
or its decay products in the air of the home.
Many of these devices provide a report of this
information which can reveal any unusual or
abnormal swings in the radon level during the
test period. A professional tester can explain
11
-------
this report to you. In addition, some of these
devices are specifically designed to deter and
detect test interference. Currently, some of the
technically advanced active devices offer the
most extensive device interference features.
Although these tests may cost more, they may
ensure a more reliable result.
General Information for All Devices:
A state or local radon official can explain
the differences between devices and recom-
mend the ones which are most appropriate for
your needs and expected testing conditions. In
addition, EPA's Radon Measurement Protocols
include technical information about the
differences between devices.
Make sure the radon device is listed by
EPA's testing program or is state-certified. The
device may display the phrase "Meets EPA
Requirements" or "EPA listed." Your state
radon office or a radon tester can tell you
more about radon testing devices.
Certain precautions should be followed to
avoid interference during the test period.
Refer to the Checklist on page 16 for more
information about how to get a reliable test.
In some areas, companies may offer differ-
ent types of radon service agreements. Some
agreements let you pay a one-time fee that
covers both testing, and if needed, radon
reduction. Contact your state radon office to
find out if these are available in your state.
Radon Test Device Placement
The testing device(s) should be placed in the
lowest level of the home suitable for
occupancy. This means testing in the lowest
level currently lived in or a lower level not
currently used, such as a basement, which a
buyer could use for living space without
renovations. The test should be in a room to
be used regularly (like a living room, playroom,
den or bedroom) but not a kitchen, bathroom
or laundry room.
12
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WIETIEI Yll TEST Fll
UIIN TIIKE1F II INK
AN M USTU II STATE
CEITIFIEI TESni, ALL
MIIN TESTS SIIILI IE
TAKEN Fll A MINIMIM IF
41IIIIS. A LIWEI
PEIIII IF TESTING TIME
IS lEMHU Fll SINE
IEV1CES.
b.
Length off Time to Test
There Are Two General Ways To
Test Your Home for Radon:
LONG-TERM TESTING:
Long-term tests remain in your home for
more than 90 days. Alpha track, and electret
ion chamber detectors are commonly used for
this type of testing. A long-term test will give
you a reading that is more likely to tell you
your home's year-round average radon level
than a short-term test. If tune permits (more
than 90 days) long-term tests can be used to
confirm initial short-term results between
4 pCi/L and 10 pCi/L. When long-term test
results are 4 pCi/L or higher, EPA recom-
mends fixing the home.
SHORT-TERM TESTING:
The quickest way to test is with short-term
tests. Short-term tests remain in your home
from two days to 90 days, depending on the
device. There are two groups of devices which
are more commonly used for short-term test-
ing. The passive device group includes alpha
track detectors, charcoal canisters, charcoal
liquid scintillation detectors, and electret ion
chambers. The active device group consists of
different types of continuous monitors, (see
pages 11-12 for more information.) Because
radon levels tend to vary from day to day and
season to season, a short-term test is less likely
than a long-term test to tell you your year-
round average radon level. However, if you
need results quickly, short-term testing may
be used to decide whether to fix the home.
13
-------
If You Conduct a
Short-Term Test...
If you are testing in a real estate transaction
and you need results quickly, any of the
following three ways to conduct Short-Term
Tests are acceptable for determining whether
the home should be fixed. Any real estate test
for radon should include steps to prevent or
detect device interference (see pages 10-12).
SHORT-TERM TESTING OPTIONS
WMF TO DO NEXT
Take an initial short-term test for at
least 48 hours. After the first test has
been completed, take a follow-up short
term test for at least 48 hours.
Fix the home if
the average of
two tests is
4 pCi/L or more.
Take two short-term tests at the same
time in the same location for at least 48
hours.
Fix the home if
the average radon
level is 4 pCi/L or
more.
Test the home with a continuous monitor
for at least 48 hours.
-------
WIEN CIIISIM A SUIT
TEIM TESTMCI
IPTIIN ...
There are trade-offs
among the short-term test
options. One test followed
by another test
(sequential) would most
likely give a better
representation of the
seasonal average. Two
tests taken at the same
time (simultaneous) would
improve the precision of
the radon test. Both active
and passive devices may
have features which help
to prevent test
interference. Your state
radon office can help you
decide which option is the
best for you.
d.
Using Testing Devices
Properly (If You Do the
Test Yourself)
When you are taking a short-term test, close
your windows and outside doors and keep
them closed as much as possible during the
test, except for normal entry and exit. If you
are taking a short-term test lasting less than
4 days, be sure to close your windows and out-
side doors at least 12 hours before beginning
the test, too. You should not conduct short-
term tests lasting less than 4 days during
severe storms or periods of high winds.
Place the test device at least 20 inches above
the floor in a location where it will not be
disturbed and where it will be away from
drafts, high heat, high humidity, and exterior
walls. Leave the test kit in place for as long
as the test instructions say. Once you have
finished the test, reseal the package and send
it immediately to the lab specified on the
package for analysis. You should receive your
test results within a few weeks. If you need
results quickly, you should find out how long
results will take and, if necessary, request
expedited service.
15
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e.
EPA'S TESTING CHECKLIST
Follow this Checklist carefully so that you get the most accurate
radon test results.
Radon testing is not a complicated process, but must be done properly.
Otherwise, the test results may not be accurate and more testing may
have to be done. Disturbing or interfering with the test device or closed-
house conditions will invalidate the test results.
The seller, or an EPA listed or state certified tester, should be able
to confirm that all the items in this Checklist have been followed. If
the tester cannot confirm this, another test should be taken.
Before the radon testing:
D Notify occupants of the importance of proper testing conditions. Give
occupants written instructions or this document and explain the
directions carefully.
D If you conduct the test yourself, use a radon measurement device
listed by EPA's Radon Measurement Proficiency (RMP) Program or
certified by your state and follow the manufacturer's instructions
that come with the device.
D If you use a testing professional, only hire an EPA listed or state
certified individual and ask to see his or her photo identification. The
contractor's identification number should be clearly visible on the test
report.
D The test should include method(s) to prevent or detect interference
with testing conditions or with the testing device itself.
D Conduct the radon test for a minimum of 48 hours. Certain devices
must be exposed for more than the 48 hour minimum.
D Check to see if an active radon reduction system is in the house.
Before taking a short-term test lasting less than 4 days, make sure the
fan, if any, is operating at least 24 hours before the beginning of the
test.
D EPA recommends that short-term radon testing which lasts for no
more than a week in length, be done under closed-house conditions.
Closed-house conditions means keeping all windows closed, keeping
doors closed except for normal entry and exit, and not operating fans
or other machines which bring in air from outside. Note that fans that
are part of a radon reduction system or small exhaust fans operating
for only short periods of time may run during the test.
16
-------
D When doing short-term testing lasting less than 4 days, it is
important to maintain closed-house conditions for at least 12 hours
before the beginning of the test and for the entire test period. Do not
operate fans or other machines which bring in air from the outside.
During the radon test:
D Maintain closed-house conditions during the entire time of a short-
term test, especially for tests shorter than one week in length.
D Operate the home's heating and cooling systems normally during the
test. For tests lasting less than one week, only operate air conditioning
units which recirculate interior air.
D Do not disturb the test device at any time during the test.
D If a radon reduction system is in place, make sure the system is
working properly and will be in operation during the entire radon
test.
After a radon test:
D If a high radon level is found, fix the home. Pages 21 to 23 of this
guide recommend the next steps you should take, such as contacting
a qualified radon reduction contractor to lower the home's radon
level.
D Be sure that you or the professional radon tester can demonstrate or
provide information to ensure that the testing conditions were not
violated during the testing period.
17
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Getting Reliable Results
(If You Hire A Professional
Radon Tester)
In many cases, home buyers and sellers may
decide to have the radon test done by a pro-
fessional radon tester. Make sure that the
company you hire is listed in EPA's Radon
Measurement Proficiency (RMP) Program or
your state's certification program, if it has one.
EPA's Radon Measurement Proficiency
(RMP) program is designed to help you get
reliable radon tests. RMP program partici-
pants are required to show their ability to
make accurate tests and follow quality
assurance and EPA test guidelines. EPA issues
RMP reports for your state. These reports list
testing companies and individuals in your area
qualified to follow EPA's residential radon
testing requirements. Make sure you ask to see
the professional radon tester's photo I.D. card.
Interpreting Radon Test
Results
The average indoor radon level is estimated
to be about 1.3 pCi/L, and about 0.4 pCi/L of
radon is normally found in the outside air. The
U. S. Congress has set a long-term goal that
indoor radon levels be no more than outdoor
levels. While this goal is not yet technologically
achievable for all homes, the radon levels in
some homes today can be reduced to
2 pCi/L or below.
WMT WILL A
PIIFESSIINAL UIIN
TEJTEIIIT
An EPA listed or state
certified radon tester
knows the proper condi-
tions, test devices, and
guidelines to get a reliable
radon test. A professional
radon tester can also:
Evaluate the home and
recommend a testing
approach designed to
make sure you get
reliable results;
Explain how proper
conditions can be
maintained during the
radon test;
Emphasize to occu-
pants of a home that a
reliable test result
depends on their
cooperation because
any interference or dis-
turbance with the test
or the closed-house
conditions, especially,
during short-term
testing, will invalidate
the test result;
Analyze and report
measurement results to
you; and
Provide an independent
test result by someone
who is not involved in
the home sale.
Your state radon office
may also have information
about certification
requirements for profes-
sional radon testers.
Contact your State radon
office for information
about RMP and state
certified contractors. (See
pages 29-31 of this
guide.)
IS
-------
IMM TEST KIILTJ
MUSIIEI IN TWI
IIFFEIENTIMTS
Your radon test results
may be reported in either
picocuries per Liter of Air
(pCi/L) or Working Levels
(WL).
If your test result is in
pCi/L, EPA recommends
you fix the home if your
radon level is 4 pCi/L or
higher. If the test result is
in WL, EPA recommends
you fix the home if the
working level is 0.02 WL
or higher.
Sometimes short-term tests are less defini-
tive about whether the home is at or above 4
pCi/L. This can happen when your results are
close to 4 pCi/L. For example, if the average
of the two short-term tests is 4.1 pCi/L, there
is about a 50% chance that the year-round
average is somewhat below 4 pCi/L. However,
EPA believes that any radon exposure carries
some risk; no level of radon is safe. Even radon
levels below 4 pCi/L pose some risk, and you
can reduce your risk of lung cancer by
lowering your radon level.
Like other environmental pollutants, there is
some uncertainty about the magnitude of
radon health risks. However, we know more
about radon risks than risks from most other
cancer-causing substances. This is because
estimates of radon risks are based on studies
in humans (underground miners). Additional
studies on more typical populations are under
way.
Your radon measurement will give you an
idea of your risk of getting lung cancer from
radon. Your chances of getting lung cancer
from radon depend mostly on:
The home's radon level; and
The amount of time you spend in your home;
and
Whether you are a smoker or have ever
smoked.
Smoking combined with radon is an espe-
cially serious health risk. If you smoke or are
a former smoker, the presence of radon greatly
increases your risk of lung cancer. If you stop
smoking now and lower the radon level in your
house, you will reduce your lung cancer risk.
19
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RADON RISK IF YOU SMOKE
Radon
Level
20pCi/L
lOpd/L
8pCi/L
4pCi/L
2pCi/L
1.3pCi/L
0.4pCi/L
If 1,000 people who smoked
were exposed to this level over
a lifetime . . .
About 135 people could get
lung cancer
About 71 people could get
lung cancer
About 57 people could get
lung cancer
About 29 people could get
lung cancer
About 15 people could get
lung cancer
About 9 people could get
lung cancer
About 3 people could get
lung cancer
The risk of cancer from radon exposure
compares to ...
« 100 times the risk of drowning
«- 100 times the risk of dying in a
home fire
4 100 times the risk of dying in an
airplane crash
« 2 times the risk of dying in a
car crash
(Average indoor radon level)
(Average outdoor radon level)
WHAT TO DO:
Stop Smoking and...
Fix your home
Fix your home
Fix your home
Fix your home
Consider fixing between 2 and
4pCi/L
(Reducing radon levels
below2pCi/L
is difficult)
Note: If you are a former smoker, your risk may be lower.
RADON RISK IF YOD HAVE NEVER SMOKED
Radon
Level
20pCi/L
lOpd/L
8pCi/L
4pCi/L
2pCi/L
1.3pCi/L
0.4pCi/L
If 1,000 people who never
smoked were exposed to this
level over a lifetime ...
About 8 people could get
lung cancer
About 4 people could get
lung cancer
About 3 people could get
lung cancer
About 2 people could get
lung cancer
About 1 person could get
lung cancer
Less than 1 person could get
lung cancer
Less than 1 person could get
lung cancer
The risk of cancer from radon exposure
compares to ...
« The risk of being kilted in a violent crime
4 10 times the risk of dying in an
airplane crash
4 The risk of drowning
4 The risk of dying in a home fire
(Average indoor radon level)
(Average outdoor radon level)
WHAT TO 00:
Fix your home
Fix your home
Fix your home
Fix your home
Consider fixing between 2 and
4pCi/L
(Reducing radon levels
beloiv2pC//L
is difficult)
Note If you are a former smoker, your risk may be higher
It's never too late to reduce your risk of lung cancer. Don't wait to
test and fix a radon problem. H you are a smoker, stop smoking.
20
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6.
What
High Radon Levels Can Be
Reduced
EPA recommends that you take action to
_ reduce your home's indoor radon levels if your
S h H|| I |l Yfl U radon test result is 4 pCi/L or higher.
U II U II I II IUH It is preferable to correct a radon problem
Iff Vnil before placing your home on the market
II lUII because then you have more tune to address
a rac*on Pr°blem. If elevated levels are found
during the real estate transaction, the buyer
and seller should discuss the timing and costs
DO rifl|l °f the radon reduction, as with any other
II II II U II aspect of the home purchase and sale.
I A IIO 1 9 ^ne cost °^ rna^m8 repairs to reduce radon
LuVul
depends on how your home was built and
other factors. Most homes can be fixed for
about the same cost as other common home
repairs, like painting or having a new hot
water heater installed. The average cost for a
contractor to lower radon levels in a home is
about $1,200, although this can range from
$500 to about $2,500.
How To Lower The Radon
Level In Your Home
A variety of methods can be used to reduce
radon in homes. Sealing cracks and other
openings in the foundation is a basic part of
most approaches to radon reduction. EPA
does not recommend the use of sealing alone
to reduce radon because, by itself, sealing has
not been shown to lower radon levels
significantly or consistently. In most cases,
systems with pipes and fans are used to
reduce radon. Such systems are called "sub-
slab depressurization," and do not require
major changes to your home. These systems
prevent radon gas from entering the home
from below the concrete floor and the
foundation. Similar systems can also be
installed in homes with crawl spaces. Radon
21
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reduction contractors may use other methods
that may also work in your home. The right
system depends on the design of your home
and other factors. As with any other house-
hold appliance, there would be costs asso-
ciated with the operation of the radon
reduction system.
Ways to reduce radon are discussed in EPA's
"Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction." Call
your state radon office (see pages 29-31) to
get a copy.
You should also test your home again after
it is fixed to be sure that radon levels have
been reduced. If your living patterns change
and you begin occupying a lower level of your
home (such as a basement) you should retest
your home on that level. In addition, it is a
good idea to retest your home sometime in the
future to be sure radon levels remain low.
UNI All INK
KRiwrnns
If you are planning any
major renovations, such
as converting an
unfinished basement area
into living space, it is
especially important to
test the area for radon
before you begin the
renovation. If your test
results indicate a radon
problem, radon resistant
techniques can be
inexpensively included as
part of the renovation.
Because major
renovations can change
the level of radon in any
home, always test again
after work is completed.
-------
NUT IOVICES N UIIN
IEIICTIIN CINTUCTIK
mniE?
Contractors who
participate in EPA's RCP
program are qualified to:
Review testing
guidelines and
measurement results
and determine if
additional
measurements are
needed;
Evaluate the radon
problem and provide
you with a detailed,
written proposal on
how radon levels will be
lowered;
Design a radon
reduction system;
Install the system
according to EPA
Standards and State or
local codes; and
Make sure the finished
system effectively
reduces radon levels to
acceptable levels.
Picking someone to fix
your radon problem is
much like choosing a
contractor for other home
repairs; you may want to
get references and more
than one estimate. Call
your state radon office for
a list of the names of EPA
listed or state certified
radon contractors in your
area (see pages 29-31 of
this guide). Your state
radon office may also
have information about
certification requirements
for these contractors.
A Radon
Reduction Contractor
You should use a radon reduction contrac-
tor who is listed by EPA's Radon Contractor
Proficiency (RCP) Program. This Program
tests the technical knowledge of contractors
to ensure that they can correct radon prob-
lems. RCP contractors must follow specific
guidelines which make certain that their work
meets minimum quality standards. RCP
contractors carry photo I.D. cards and are
listed in RCP Program reports.
Radon reduction contractors are required to
take the RCP exam and then follow the RCP
Mitigation Standards. These standards are
available from your state radon office (see
pages 29-31). The RCP radon reduction con-
tractor is also required to review radon
measurement results before beginning radon
reduction work.
In addition, the RCP contractor must rec-
ommend that the home be tested again by an
independent EPA listed or state certified
radon tester after completing radon reduction
work to confirm that elevated levels have been
reduced.
23
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RADON IN WATER
Compared to radon entering the home
through soil, radon entering the home through
water in most cases will be a small source of
risk. Radon gas can enter the home through
well water. It can be released into the air you
breathe when water is used for showering and
other household uses. Research suggests that
swallowing water with high radon levels may
pose risks, too, although risks from swallowing
water containing radon are believed to be
much lower than those from breathing air
containing radon.
While radon in water is not a problem in
homes served by most public water supplies,
radon has been found in well water. If you
have tested the air in your home and found a
radon problem, and your water comes from a
well, have the water tested. If you are on a
public water supply and are concerned that
radon may be entering your home through the
water, call your public water supplier. The
testing device and procedures used to find out
the radon levels of your home's water supply
are different from the device and procedures
used to test your home's indoor air levels for
radon.
Radon problems in water can be readily
fixed. The most effective treatment is to
remove radon from the water before it enters
the home. This is called point-of-entry
treatment. Treatment at your water tap is
called point-of-use treatment. Point-of-use
devices usually only treat a small portion of
your water and are not effective in reducing
radon risk in water.
Call your State radon office for a copy of the
"Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction" (see
pages 29-31) or call EPA's Drinking Water
Hotline (1 800 426-4791) for more informa-
tion on radon in water.
HIILI Ylll MUM
TESTEI AIM IE Ylll
MIIN KIKTIIN
CINTMCTIIT
Be aware that there is a
potential conflict of
interest if you use the
same company to conduct
both the test and the
radon reduction of the
home. If the same radon
testing professional also
offers to do radon
reduction of the home,
make sure that the testing
is done according to the
Testing Checklist (see
page 16).
EPA's Radon Profi-
ciency Programs (RMP
and RCP) work together
to protect home buyers
and sellers. Make sure you
only hire professional
testers and radon
reduction contractors who
are EPA qualified or state
certified. Always ask to
see the contractor's I.D.
card.
You should also
consider getting more
than one cost estimate
and asking for references
from radon testing and
radon reduction
companies in your area.
Some states have
additional certification
requirements, and may
require the homeowner to
sign a waiver if one firm
conducts both testing and
radon reduction. Contact
your state radon office
(see pages 29-31) for
more information.
24
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7.
RADON MYTHS
MYTHt Scientists are not sure that radon
really is a problem.
FACT: Although some scientists dispute
the precise number of deaths due to radon, all
the major health organizations (like the
Centers for Disease Control, the American
Lung Association and the American Medical
Association) agree with estimates that radon
causes thousands of preventable lung cancer
deaths every year. This is especially true
among smokers, since the risk to smokers is
much greater than to non-smokers.
MYTH* Radon testing devices are not
reliable and are difficult to find.
FACTt Radon testing can be conducted by a
professionally trained RMP listed or state
certified radon tester.
Active radon devices can continuously
gather and periodically record radon levels to
reveal any unusual swings in the radon level
during the test.
Reliable testing devices are also available
through the mail, in hardware stores and
other retail outlets. Call your state radon
office (see pages 29-31) for a list of radon
device companies that have met EPA
requirements for reliability or are state
certified.
-------
MYTH: Radon testing is difficult and
time-consuming.
FACT: Radon testing is easy. You can test
your own home or you can hire an EPA listed
or state certified radon tester. Either
approach takes only a small amount of the
homeowner's time or effort.
MYTH* Homes with radon problems
cannot be fixed.
FACT: There are solutions to radon
problems in homes. Thousands of home
owners have already lowered elevated radon
levels in their homes. Radon levels can be
readily lowered for $500 to $2,500. Call your
state radon office (see pages 29-31) for a list
of contractors that have met EPA
requirements or are state certified.
MYTHS Radon only affects certain types
of homes.
FACT: Radon can be a problem in all types
of homes such as old homes, new homes,
drafty homes, insulated homes, homes with
basements and homes without basements.
Construction materials and the way the home
has been built may also affect radon levels.
26
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MYTH? Radon is only a problem in
certain parts of the country.
FACT; High radon levels have been found
in every state. Radon problems do vary from
area to area, but the only way to know the
home's radon level is to test.
MYTH? A neighbor's test result is a good
indication of whether your home
has a radon problem.
FACT: It is not. Radon levels vary from
home to home. The only way to know if your
home has a radon problem is to test it.
MYTH. Everyone should test his or her
water for radon.
FACTl While radon gets into some homes
through the water, it is important to first test
the air in the home for radon. If high radon
levels are found and the home has a well, call
the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 800-426-
4791, or your state radon office (see pages
29-31) for more information.
27
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MYTH: It is difficult to sell a home
where radon problems have been
discovered.
F ACTt Where radon problems have been
fixed, home sales have not been blocked. The
added protection could be a good selling point.
MYTH* I have lived in my home for so
long, it does not make sense to
take action now.
} AA *, You will reduce your risk of lung
cancer when you reduce radon levels, even if
you have lived with a radon problem for a long
time.
MYTH* Short-term tests cannot be used
for making a decision about
whether to reduce the home's
high radon levels.
1 .'VL i ' Short-term tests may be used to
decide whether to reduce the home's high
radon levels. However, the closer the short-
term testing result is to 4 pCi/L, the less
certainty there is about whether the home's
year-round average is above or below that
level. Keep in mind that radon levels below
4 pCi/L still pose some risk and that radon
levels can be reduced in some homes to
2 pCi/L or below.
28
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STATE
RADON
CONTACTS
Alabama 800/582-1866
Alaska 800/478-8324
Arizona 602/255-4845
Arkansas 501/661-2301
California 800/745-7236
Colorado 800/846-3986
Connecticut 203/566-3122
Delaware 800/554-4636
District of Columbia 202/727-5728
Florida 800/543-8279
Georgia 800/745-0037
Hawaii 808/586-4700
Idaho 800/445-8647
Illinois 800/325-1245
Indiana 800/272-9723
Iowa 800/383-5992
Kansas 913/296-6183
Kentucky 502/564-3700
Louisiana 800/256-2494
Maine 800/232-0842
Maryland 800/872-3666
Massachusetts 413/586-7525
Michigan 800/723-6642
Minnesota 800/798-9050
Mississippi 800/626-7739
Missouri 800/669-7236
29
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RADON
Montana 406/444-3671 STATF
Nebraska 800/334-9491
Nevada 702/687-5394
New Hampshire 800/852-3345x4674
New Jersey 800/648-0394
New Mexico 505/827-4300
New York 800/458-1158
North Carolina 919/571-4141
North Dakota 701/221-5188
Ohio 800/523-4439
Oklahoma 405/271-1902
Oregon 503/731-4014
Pennsylvania 800/237-2366
Puerto Rico 809/767-3563
Rhode Island 401/277-2438
South Carolina 800/768-0362
South Dakota 800/438-3367
Tennessee 800/232-1139
Texas 512/834-6688
Utah 800/536-4250
Vermont 800/640-0601
Virginia 800/468-0138
West Virginia 800/922-1255
Wisconsin 608/267-4795
Wyoming 800/458-5847
30
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STATE
RADON
CONTACTS
INDIAN NATIONS
All Indian Pueblo Council 505-881-2254
Cherokee Nation 918-458-5496
Chickasaw Nation 405-436-2603
Hopi Tribe 602-734-2441
Inner Tribal Council 602-248-0071
Jicarilla Apache Tribe 505-759-3242
Navajo Nation 602-871-7754
Oneida Indian Nation 315-361-6300
Seneca Nation 716-532-0024
St. Regis Mohawk Tribe 518-358-3141
For Indian Nations in the States of
MN, WI, MI, IL, IN, and OH, Call 312-886-6063
31
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