January is National Radon Action Month and Detailed Inspection Service can inspect Illinois homes to determine radon levels.
Because radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined January is the time to “Test, Fix, and Save a Life.”
If you are buying or selling a home, it is especially important to have the property tested for radon.
Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas. It’s colorless, odorless and deadly. Radon develops from the breakdown of naturally-occurring radioactive elements such as uranium and thorium in soils and rocks. The radioactive decay process produces the gas.
Radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Levels of 4 pCi/L or higher are considered hazardous.
The EPA estimates that 1 out of every 15 homes in the United States has an elevated radon level of 4 pCi/L or more.
In Illinois, authorities especially emphasize inspecting homes for radon. The average radon level in homes in Illinois is 4.4 pCi/L (picoCuries per liter of air), while the national indoor average is 1.3 pCi/L.
The New Lenox, Will County and greater Chicagoland area fall in the EPA’s Radon Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas.
Counties in the Zone 1 area are predicted to have average indoor radon screening levels greater than 4 pCi/L.
Counties in Zone 2 have indoor radon levels between 2 and 4 pCi/L.
The good news about radon is there are ways to mitigate and fix radon problems. According to the EPA, “Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels.”
If you’re a home buyer, knowing the indoor radon level of a potential property is important. Any home, old or new, can have radon problems.
Because of the number of hours most people spend at home, you’re most likely to get your greatest radiation exposure inside your own house.
Testing is the only way to know if your home has a radon problem. Don’t rely on testing done at neighboring homes to estimate the level in your own house. Radon levels can vary greatly from home to home.
Detailed Inspection Service offers radon inspections to property owners and home buyers. Take action against radon. Schedule a radon inspection today.
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