Radon?

[J. Grouchy]

The subject has come up over recent months and I was wondering if it's a concern in this area.  I don't really know much about it, but I suppose first steps would be to find out if anyone in the 'hood had tested for it and whether the levels are high enough to be a concern.  The map below indicates we're in a zone for highest potential, but I know it probably varies a lot in the "red zone".  I guess my question is: is this something I need to rush out and get a test kit for?

[Andreas]

I've thought about getting a tester, since this is an older house that the landlord hasn't really kept up with too well.  Interesting that we're in a high risk area.  Is there a specific reason for us being in the "red zone"?

[rudie54]

We got our house tested before we bought it.

The levels were high enough that we got the seller to put in a mitigation system.

[bestPBRever]

i'm from NJ and it's a huge issue in some areas in Jersey. in my 30 years in Ga. i've never even heard the word mentioned untl now.

[latter_day_hipp]

We always test a house before we buy it. I have a tester I never used and do not need if you would like it -- just PM me and I will leave it for you on the porch.

[Sandcrab]

Radon is a breakdown product of uranium.  Granite contains uranium.  So the granite bedrock around here is constantly emitting radon.  It percolates out of the soil and into your basement and crawlspace.
 
Our house had a moderate level, which dropped to zero after we had the crawlspace sealed and ventilated.

[Flower Lady]

I've thought about testing when we renovated, we had a few tests done - but our renovator said he's not encountered it much around here... I think I will get a test kit.

Sandcrab: "Sealed and Ventilated" - What does that mean?

[woody]

I used to be able to get free test kits at work. I'll check next week and see if I can find any.

[Andreas]

I used to be able to get free test kits at work. I'll check next week and see if I can find any.

If you can, I'd be much obliged if I could have one.

[woody]

Certainly!

[bvbratt]

I tested our house on Brownwood before our son was born. It came back non-detect on multiple short-term tests so I was happy. Having said that, our neighbor could have high levels since radon simply follows the fractures in the bedrock. It's a pretty inexpensive test so I would recommend doing it. 

[Flower Lady]

I'd like a test kit if you can get them too, Woody. I'm wondering if the EPA has free test kits? My friend works for the EPA, I'll ask her tomorrow.

[Sandcrab]

Sandcrab: "Sealed and Ventilated" - What does that mean?

The contractor laid perforated pipes on top of the dirt, hooked up to a tiny fan that blows 27/7.  Over that was laid heavy-duty sealed tarps.  This not only vents the radon out, but also the rising dampness that would otherwise form mildew under the tarp.

[J. Grouchy]

Lowe's had a kit for, I believe, $15.

Supposed to put it in an area that is not too humid and it uses a crawlspace as an example...which is exactly where I was concerned about it.  I guess it just needs to be in a low point of the house away from any doors/windows that are frequently used.

48 hours minimum (no more than 96), price includes shipping, testing and report sent back.

[Sandcrab]

Southface Energy has free kits.