It Takes Time

Natural living, one step at a time

Navigation
  • Home
  • Natural Living
    • House
    • Beauty
    • Foodie
    • By Kids for Kids
  • DIY
  • Recipes
  • Natural Health
    • Dental
    • Gut Health
    • Detox
    • Type 1 Diabetes
  • Unseen Reality
    • Microbes & Mold
    • Electromagnetic Radiation
  • About Andrea

A Homeowner’s Guide to Radon




Yum

July 24, 2014 by Andrea Fabry 4 Comments

Radon is a naturally occurring environmental toxin. It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, and, therefore, worthy of our consideration. The good news is that this toxin is comparatively easy to identify and mitigate.

Radon graphic

A Homeowner’s Guide to Radon

What is radon?

Radon is a colorless, chemically unreactive inert gas. You cannot smell, see, or taste radon. It is the heaviest known gas, nine times denser than air and occurs as part of the normal radioactive decay process. It enters our living spaces via the ground, groundwater, or building materials. Holes or cracks in the foundation may be a clue that radon is an issue.

How do I know if we have a radon problem?

Since human senses cannot detect radon, your environment must be tested. There are two types of tests: Long-term and short-term. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests these steps when evaluating your home or office:

  • Step 1: Take a short-term test. If your result is four pCi/L or higher, take a follow-up test (Step 2) to be sure.
  • Step 2: Follow up with either a long-term test or a second short-term test.

If you need results quickly, the EPA suggests a second short-term test. If time is not an issue, the long-term test may offer a better understanding of the year-round radon average. For more information, see the EPA’s radon page.

Kansas State University offers affordable testing options at National Radon Program Services. Continuous monitoring is also available with devices such as the Safety Siren Pro Series HS71512 3 Radon Gas Detector.

More resources can be found at RadonResources.com.

How can I reduce the levels of radon in my home or workplace?

Because of the varied issues surrounding radon, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, there are several proven correction methods, including a vent pipe system and fan which pulls radon from underneath the building and vents it to the outside. Known as a Soil Suction Radon Reduction System, this option does not require significant changes to the structure.

The EPA recommends contacting your state’s radon program to find a qualified contractor near you. See their interactive map for state-by-state information.

Other mitigation service providers may be found through either of these organizations:

      • The National Radon Proficiency Program
      • The National Radon Safety Board

You can expect to pay between $500 and $2,500, depending on the size and design of your home or office building. Such an investment can go a long way toward protecting your health and well-being.

Related Posts

  • Meet Heather - Mesothelioma Survivor
    30
    Meet Heather - Mesothelioma SurvivorHave you heard of mesothelioma? Do you know the source for this rare cancer?  Heather Von St. James has dedicated her life to making sure you do. Heather is a mesothelioma survivor. Heather's Story Heather Von St. James was living the good life. Happily married and enjoying life with her…
    Tags: cancer, building

Filed Under: House, microbes and mold, Natural Health Tagged With: building, cancer, lung cancer, radon, radon testing, sick building

« Men and Health
What’s in the Fridge? »

Comments

  1. Melanie says

    September 15, 2014 at 6:47 am

    Hi Andrea,
    We are performing inspections on a home we are about to buy. Our general home inspector who is ASHI certified offers a radon test for $150. We’re testing a 1200 sq ft condo. This is the rate we were quoted by multiple home inspectors in our area. Should a general home inspector be qualified to do this? I just wondered after seeing the cost in your article…

    Reply
  2. Andrea Fabry says

    September 15, 2014 at 8:52 am

    HI Melanie,
    We performed our test for less than 20 dollars and were happy with it. The results are easy to interpret. That does seem a little high to me.

    Reply
    • Melanie says

      September 16, 2014 at 3:00 am

      Oh wow, $20. Did you purchase your own testing kit, or did the inspector provide it?

      Reply
      • Andrea Fabry says

        September 16, 2014 at 9:51 am

        They are easily purchased online. This is the kit we used:
        http://www.radon.com/radon/radon_airchek.html

        Ours came back in negligible amounts. The EPA looks for 4 or below for safety.

        Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

MEET ANDREA

I am a certified Building Biology Advocate, a former journalist, mother of nine, and avid CrossFitter who likes to think outside the box. After our family's health crisis in 2008, I learned to ask questions about what's in our food, our water, and our air. I hope to empower you as you seek to live safely in a complex world. Thankfully, small steps lead to big changes. Let's travel this road together, one step at a time.

Follow

Now Available on Amazon

10 Things I’ve Learned (The Hard Way)

1. The answer may be right in front of you.
2. Time is often the best medicine.
3. Speak kindly to yourself.
4. The air we breathe matters.
5. It's better to know than not know.
6. Relinquishment is a balm for the soul.
7. Symptoms will instruct if we listen.
8. Sometimes you're the expert.
9. Allow hindsight to move you forward.
10. The next step is enough.

The Connecting Place Latest Episode

Listen to "Behind the Scenes: Mold Questions" on Spreaker.

Popular Posts

Water Kefir: Oxygen or No Oxygen?

14 Day Grain-free Meal Plan

Natural Living

Are you learning to cook with real food? Clean without chemicals? Use safer products on your skin? Natural living is fun and rewarding. Come join the fun!

Copyright 2025 It Takes Time - Andrea Fabry