3.7 pCi/L Radon Results

[Kenneth (Kip) R. McCullough, Jr.]

I have a question and wanted to get some additional feedback on radon results for a client.

My client is asking if there should be any concern with his radon levels of 3.7 pCi/L. He is also an attorney, so I want to make sure that what I tell him is correct. How would you guys respond to this question?


Thanks in advance for any advice.

Kip McCullough
Keystone Property Inspections, LLC

[Joseph Hagarty]

Direct him to the EPA Website following EPA protocols for follow up...

http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/hmbyguid.html

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by jhagarty

Direct him to the EPA Website following EPA protocols for follow up...

http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/hmbyguid.html

Typically, I would encourage the same as Joe.



On another note, I was browsing other inspector websites and came across the following. Is the cutoff limit, for remediation, in Canada as high as noted?


“Make Your Own Decision About Radon”


"The United States Environmental Protection Agency advises radon testing of your home. Some states require radon testing on all residential real estate transfers. Radon is reputed to cause cancer. Radon scares most of us.

What is radon and what are our choices? Radon is a gas produced from the decomposition of uranium in the earth. Most often radon finds its way to the surface through fissures (cracks in the underground rock layers). Radon invades our basements, crawlspaces, and even our homes. The radon level can change from minute to minute, day to day, week to week and from house to house.

There are many methods of testing for radon (scintillation, charcoal, electronic, etc.). These different methods have varying degrees of accuracy. Some have an acceptable error factor as high as 25%. You can purchase radon test kits from many sources (i.e. Internet). It is important to follow the directions closely. You can hire a Home Inspector to perform a radon test. Some use electronic equipment – some use test kits. I have used both. The EPA accepts results from both.

Different countries have different cut off limits for remediation (fixing the problem, i.e. lowering the radon level). In the United States the level is 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) of air whereas in Canada the level is nearly 21 pCi/L. Some countries are even higher.

One of the most unusual schools of thought is that radon is actually good for you. There are places such as “radon caves” where individuals go, just to sit in a radon filled environment for the health benefits. I read an argument by one doctor from the far east that actually claimed some exposure to radiation helps prevent cancer ( similar to tanning rather than burning when exposed to the sun).

The bottom line is decide for yourself if you want a radon test and what method of testing you prefer."

[Joseph Hagarty]

Kip is in Georgia (USA).

I would not deviate from the EPA protocol for recommendations with regard to reporting.

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by jhagarty

Kip is in Georgia (USA).

Yes, I am not recommending anything to Kip in Georgia...I am curious about the differences stated in my previous post.

[Kenneth (Kip) R. McCullough, Jr.]

Thanks for the great feedback! I appreciate the help.

-Kip

[Dan Bowers, CMI]

At 3.7 pico curies p/litre the radon level is in the acceptable range at "the time and dates of your screening".

Mr. Buyer - What it will do next month, next fall, next winter - is anybodys guess. If you need further information go to EPA's site. Wheres my check?

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Nick just posted this in the IAQ2 Forum
Check with your local Government.


http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/eohp/RealE...adonAirFAQ.htm

Marcel

[Scott Falvey]

My 2 cents.

3.7 pCi/L is acceptable. I would also recommend to them a long term test (greater than 90 days). Long term tests provide a better "average" Radon level.