The Health Risk In 1 Out Of 15 Homes
Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and 1 out of 15 homes has elevated levels of the radioactive gas seeping into it.
Despite the risks, however, radon is a potential problem that many homeowners ignore.
Radon can enter a home at many different points. A partial list includes:
- Earth and rock beneath a home
- Joints in construction materials
- Gaps around pipes and wires
- Cracks in flooring and walls
But, because radon is odorless, colorless, and scentless, it’s impossible to detect without the use of tools.
There are do-it-yourself, at-home radon testing kits which can be purchased at Lowe’s for less than $20, or you can hire an EPA-approved professional to site-test for you.
If the tests are positive for radon, fixing the problem in your home can cost anywhere from $800 to $2,500, depending on the home’s architecture.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, nearly one million homeowners have taken radon-reducing steps in their homes over the years, saving 6,000 lives.
Source
My $1,200 Radon Job
Gwendolyn Bounds
The Wall Street Journal Online http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120855599410427459.html
