radon gas levels

Greg K · Jul 27, 2013

Just finally tested our home for radon. Turns out our level is 4.9. The acceptable level is 4.0 my wife says. One boys bedroom is in the basement, so that is a potential issue. Have any of you dealt with this? Is the level we are at like being 10 pounds overweight or 75 pounds overweight? Just looking for input while I research other placed also.

Charlie M · Jul 27, 2013

I saw on a "this old house" show once where they came in and was able to determine where the gas could enter the house and did some work to seal the basement. Places like cracks in floors and walls, sump pump pits are all places the gas can enter. I definitely wouldn't use the basement as a bedroom until the issue is resolved. Radon gas over the long term is bad news.

Janicholson · Jul 27, 2013

I was the Professor for a University Senior Project doing a mittigation. It is not radical, and might not be too involved in your vase. See attachments.
One of many sources

And EPA Info.

Geo-TH,In · Jul 27, 2013

Using a basement as a bedroom may be more of a fire hazard than radon, if you don't have an approved window that measures so many square inches. Check building codes. A window is your fire escape and gives fireman access too.

If you have a chimney in your basement, a person could rig up a small fan and suck air out of the basement. Or put a vent like a dryer vent to remove some air.

Radon has a short half life, so bringing in air will help you meet standards.

Northvale - PA · Jul 27, 2013

best to deal with it. We live in a high radon area and several folks around developed cancer early in life (40's).

mjbrown · Jul 27, 2013

This has become more of an issue in recent times because we have buttoned up our houses nice and tight to save energy. It couldn't collect in drafty old farm houses of the past.

mick in il. · Jul 28, 2013

I don't know about the levels, but I sold a house and they done a Radon test and it failed. So the buyer wanted a radon abatement system installed. I agreed to pay for it, $800.00 later a guy comes in, cuts a 2 1/2" hole in the floor, digs out the soil, installs a 2" pipe in floor, seals it with grout, installs a "special" 2" pvc fan. Then proceeds to pipe it outside with 2" sched 40 pipe. So now the radon is outside for everybody to breath. I don't know but in my opinion it's a scam! I may be wrong

buickanddeere · Jul 28, 2013

Radon is not a scam. Radon is a decay daughter of uranium which emits Alpha radiation.
Alpha radiation doesn't affect the body if external BUT IF internal via respiration or ingestion. Then Alpha is the most damaging form of radiation.
Building the house on a base of coarse stone with ventilation underneath is a very good idea.

radon gas levels

Greg K

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Charlie M

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Janicholson

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Geo-TH,In

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Northvale - PA

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mjbrown

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mick in il.

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buickanddeere

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