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 Health Dept. estimated that almost 27% of
Wisconsin homes would have radon screening results above the EPA guideline.
As we have learned since, radon exposure in the home is as much a function of home
construction and ventilation as it is of geographical location.
Once radon enters the 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.
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