Radon, the Other Odorless, Tasteless Killer Gas.

This is not my typical post but this is something I feel is very important so I’m on a soap box today!

We had to have a Radon Mitigation System installed after we moved in because the Radon levels were too high.

In talking to the installer, I realized that there is a huge “awareness gap” about Radon.  Many people are unaware or misinformed about the dangers of Radon gas.

Myself included.

Honestly, I had never heard of Radon myself until we moved to IL 5 years ago.  And I only learned about it then because part of the seller’s incentive package included  “Radon Testing and Mitigation (if needed)”.  So of course we tested.  It was free! Our Radon results came back above maximum level set by the EPA  (4 picocuries per liter…if you were curious) so we had the mitigation system installed.

And that was that!

We didn’t even bother to Google “Radon”, to find out more about it, and we never tested our home again.

almost 6 years later…

As part of our Home Inspection, we requested a Radon test.

(It’s not part of a typical inspection and you generally have to pay extra for it.)

But we had Radon in our last house so we knew it was “something”.

Our Realtor also gave us a flyer about Radon – and then we really knew it was SOMETHING.

I’ve done some further research and I’m a little shocked.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.

Radon is a radioactive gas that accumulates in homes, schools, offices, day care centers, etc.

*Not just in homes with basements.  In fact, the EPA recommends that anyone living in the first 3 floors test their Radon levels.*

You cannot see,  smell or taste it so you have no idea if it’s there without testing.

Testing is pretty easy and inexpensive.

If you have high levels and need to have a mitigation system installed costs a bit,

but it’s about the same as having a water softener explode or something like that.

And, it’s a lot more important in my opinion.

Now, I know that some people out there are frowning and furrowing their brow.
They might think that Radon Mitigation is just a “Racket”.

To each his own.

For me and mine, we happen to put some stock in “science and medicine” and take it seriously.

I hope you do too.  I want all you peeps to be safe and sound.

This is not a sponsored post, it’s just something I think is important and wanted to share.  Here are some links for your reading pleasure if you want to look into this in more detail.

Easy guide:  EPA    A Citizen’s Guide to Radon

Interesting: EPA’s  Protecting People and Families from Radon: A federal action plan for saving lives.

Here is a very scientific report.  It makes my eyes glaze over but it’s informative:  EPA Assessment of Risk from Radon in Homes

 

I think by Monday I’ll be tearing out that Master closet so I promise to share something “Gritty” soon!

Have a great weekend.