VII. For Example...

These are pits in CR-39 plastic made by alpha particles. If they can make these pits in plastic, imagine what they can do to your DNA.

VIII. Some Perspective On The Risk

Radon induced lung cancer takes more lives annually than many other more well know types. For more perspective, consider that estimated annual US AIDS deaths are at 14,561 [2007]; estimated annual homicide deaths are at 18,573 [2006] and estimated automobile deaths are at 42,636 [2005].

IX. Who Says Radon Is A Serious Health Concern?

X. Where To Start

The best way to start learning about your home's radon level is with a short-term test. Although there are different variations, the simplest and cheapest option would be one of the kits similar to or including Air Chek Inc's which currently offers a WCCO discount. These kits with come with full instructions and a lab contact for analysis when the test is complete.
First Alert also offers a good kit. Be careful if comparing prices as some kits include the lab analysis in their price while others do not!

XI. What Will Your Results Mean

Radon is measured in picocuries per litre or (pCi/L). When your results return from the lab, they will be expressed in that format, which will tell you what the average level of radon was during the time the test was active. Keep in mind, radon levels may fluctuate widely during a window as short as an hour and certainly may change due to seasonal, weather and other factors. This is why it is recommended to follow up your short-term test with a long-term test; one that is 90+ days long.

Although there is no safe level of radon gas in your home, the US EPA looks at 4.0 pCi/L as the theoretical action level for making a correction to your home. However, even if you achieve the 4.0 mark, EPA still strongly encourages you to consider striving for 2.0 pCi/L. You can see some of their views in the excerpt from the Radon Act 51 below:


[Radon Act 51 passed by Congress set the natural outdoor level of radon gas (0.4 pCi/L) as the target radon level for indoor radon levels. Unfortunately two-thirds of all homes exceed this level. The US EPA was tasked with setting practical guidelines and recommendations for the nation. To this end, the US EPA has set an action level of 4 pCi/L. At or above this level of radon, the EPA recommends you take corrective measures to reduce your exposure to radon gas. This does not imply that a level below 4.0 pCi/L is considered acceptable, as stated in the BEIR VI study. It is estimated that a reduction of radon levels to below 2 pCi/L nationwide would likely reduce the yearly lung cancer deaths attributed to radon by 50%. However, even with an action level of 2.0 pCi/L, the cancer risk presented by radon gas is still hundreds of times greater than the risks allowed for carcinogens in our food and water.]

XII. What To Do After You Receive Your Results

This can often be a complicated point in the process. Part of the problem is the media does a good job promoting awareness but does little in the way of providing information. In the course of being a Realtor, I have even encountered radon professionals who do not have a command of the information.

There is a lot of good information availible and most answers can be found in the EPA's Radon Library!

As a rough rule of thumb, keep in mind the following statement by the EPA:



"There is no known safe level of exposure to radon. EPA strongly recommends that you fix your home if your test shows 4 Pico curies (pCi/L) or more. If your test shows between 2 and 4 pCi/L, consider fixing."

My personal thoughts on post-test [short-term] action {I have passed the EPA's Radon Measurement Course}:

First result between 0 and 2 pCi/L:
No follow-up needed.** Your home has low radon levels. Consider doing a long-term test of 91 days or longer.

First result between 2 and 4 pCi/L:
Assess your risk; how much time do you spend in the lower level. Consider mitigating and do conduct a long-term test of 91 days or longer.

First result between 4 and 8 pCi/L:
Do a second short-term test and/or a long-term test of 91 days or longer. If the average of the two short-term tests or the long-term test is above 4 pCi/L, mitigate your home.

First result above 8 pCi/L:
Do a second short-term test to confirm your first test. If second test comes back over 8 pCi/L, decide if you want to mitigate or proceed to a long-term test of 91 days or longer. If the two short-term tests average 12+ pCi/L, you may want to contact a knowledgable radon professional before proceeeding with a long-term test.

** Even homes found with low levels of radon should be tested periodically.

XIII. Mitigation Costs May Be Elgible For FSA Reimbursement

I would urge individuals with FSAs to attempt to take advantage of this coverage - the wording states – “If a physician requires radon mitigation in your home due to a medical condition caused or aggravated by an unacceptable level of radon, some expenses may be eligible. However, if the home’s value is increased due to the mitigation, some or all of the expenses may not be reimbursable. Use the Capital Expense Worksheet to determine how much of the expense is eligible.”

Radon testing is not an eligible expense.

The medical condition often used is increased risk of developing lung cancer from the past radon exposure.

See:

https://www.fsafeds.com/FSAFEDS/EligibleExpenses.asp#R