According to the EPA, exposure to indoor radon gas is estimated to cause up to 30,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the US. Because radon is a mobile inert gas, it is able to migrate through soil and rock into the atmosphere where it is quickly diluted. A past study by the EPA and Wisconsin Dept. of Health estimated that 27% of Wisconsin homes have radon levels above the EPA guideline. We have since learned that radon in the home is as much a function of home construction and ventilation as it is of geographic location.

Once radon enters a home from soil gases or water supplies, the home’s construction and ventilation determine the concentration that develops within the living environment. Modern, energy efficient homes may reduce the amount of radon entering the home but may also increase the concentration because of reduced ventilation and outdoor air exchange rate. Older, drafty homes may have better ventilation but may also have larger areas exposed to the soil. Radon typically enters the home through cracks in the foundation, perforated drain tiles, sump wells, crawl spaces or around plumbing and sewer pipe foundation penetrations.

While it is impossible to prevent any radon from entering a home, a significant reduction to satisfactory levels is always achievable. This is accomplished by sealing areas of exposed earth, dilution of the indoor air or a combination of both. Because of the complexity in predicting elevated indoor radon levels, the EPA strongly encourages testing for radon regardless of where you live or what type of home you occupy. In the Wisconsin study, some of the highest radon levels were found next to homes with very low levels.

Most relocation companies require that a radon test be performed and that the result fall within acceptable guidelines. The good news is that radon is easy and inexpensive to test for. If you’re looking to sell your home, be proactive and test it for radon so that you can show prospective buyers that you are a responsible homeowner and your home is safe.

In today’s video from the Today’s Home Remodeler TV series, we learn how to solve a radon problem while finishing off a crawlspace to create useable storage space. We also see how to install an egress window with the professionals from Standard Water Control Systems.

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