Radon 101 - Frequently Asked Questions

Radon can occur in any house, regardless of age or type of foundation.

What is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water.

Why is Radon Dangerous?

Radon causes lung cancer. The EPA estimates that 21,000 Americans die each year from radon-induced lung cancer. This makes it the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer following smoking.

As radon decays, it creates four new elements - collectively known as Radon Decays Products (RDPs) - two of which emit alpha radiation. As these RDPs float around in the air they attach themselves to dust, smoke or other particles which we then breath in. These particles attach themselves to our sensitive lung tissue and the alpha radiation from the RDPs damages the tissue.

Radon-Induced lung cancer can easly be prevented by testing your home and reducing conconcentrations that are at or above EPA’s 4 pCi/l Action Level.

Should I have a radon test performed before buying a home?

Absolutely! The EPA, the Surgeon General, The American Lung Association, the State of Illinois, and a host of other organizations all strongly recommend that all home buyers test for radon. Elevated levels have been found in every state and the potential exists in every community. Accurate testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk.

I use precise, highly sensitive electronic monitors considered the most advanced radon measurement equipment around.

You cannot see smell or taste radon so it is easy to ignore its danger. Elevated radon is found in old and new homes, homes with or without basements, in all parts of the country.

Illinois estimates that 46% of homes in the State have elevated radon levels. I have personally found elevated radon levels in 31% of the homes I have tested in St. Louis and the Metro East area. This includes radon test conducted in: St. Louis, Belleville, Swansea, Fairview Heights, O'Fallon, Shiloh, Columbia, Godfrey, Alton and the surrounding area.

My monitors detect any unusual readings of radon caused by extreme weather conditions or by someone opening surrounding windows and doors. Tilt and power sensors can detect if the monitor has been moved.

How Does Radon Enter the House?

Through what is called the “Stack Effect,” radon and other soil gasses are literally sucked into the house through cracks and other openings in the foundation.

What If a Home has elevated Radon Levels?

Fixing a home with a radon problem is NOT a complicated or expensive procedure. Typically it is one day of work and costs on average between $800 and $1,200. A radon mitigation system is considered a home improvement. It not only lowers radon levels but also other soil gases such as Methane, pesticides, moisture, odors and mold. A mitigation system improves the overall air quality of the home.

What type of equipment is used to measure radon?

There are many types and manufactures of radon measurement equipment.

I use State-of-the-Art continuous radon monitors by Radalink. The Radalink monitors use precision electronics and a patented pulsed ion chamber to take continuous readings of radon concentrations. The monitor also takes hourly readings of temperature, relative humidity and barometric pressure.

Since you are not in control of the house the EPA strongly urges the use of tamper detection techniques when conducting a radon test during a real estate transaction. The Radalink monitors have advanced tamper detection devices that make it extremely difficult to compromise a Radalink test without being caught.