The Environmental Protection Agency has designated January as National Radon Action Month.  Radon is a radioactive, toxic, colorless gas derived from the radioactive decay of radium and is used in cancer treatment, as a tracer in leak detection, and in radiography.  Radon is found in the earth and rock beneath homes and well water and seeps through the foundation into basements.  Radon does not produce immediate symptoms in humans; however, there is a correlation that radon in indoor air may be a cause of lung cancer, whether one smokes or not.  Radon is responsible for 21,000 deaths annually and is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer. 

Radon Testing and Remediation

Radon is completely invisible to sight, smell or taste.  Therefore, special detection kits are necessary.  Charcoal canisters, electrets ion detectors and alpha track detectors are currently the most common short-term testing devices.  Generally 2 radon canisters are placed in your basement with the windows closed for 48+ hours and are then sent to a laboratory for analysis.  The laboratory will evaluate the radon levels and give the average radon reading for each canister.  Homes that yield radon levels above 4.0 pCi/L should be remedied. 

Radon levels in homes can be reduced by preventing radon entry, increasing the ventilation within the home, and removing radon and its decay products from the air.  Preventing radon entry is the preferred approach.  One of the most effective techniques is ventilating the soil surrounding the home so that radon is drawn away before it can enter through the foundation.  This method is called soil depressurization and the system can be installed in an existing home or a new home.  Depending on radon levels and the ability to put in a system that reduces radon levels, a home can be remediated for $750 - $1,000.  Read the "Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon" to learn more and visit the Virginia Department of Health Indoor Radon Program for frequently asked questions and local contacts.