Radon:

What is Radon:

Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, inert gas; it’s also radioactive. Radon is a byproduct of alpha decay of radioactive elements such as Radium, Uranium and Thorium that are in-situ constituents of rocks and soils.

Where Does Radon Occur:

Radon levels vary from one location to the next, and depend primarily on the geochemical matrix of the area. Rocks consisting trace amounts of radioactive elements that emanate Radon are widespread in nature. Also, Radon-222 isotope is the immediate decay product of Radium-226 with an approximate half-life of 3.8 days.

Radon tends to accumulate within lower levels of structures such as basements. Radon can also be found in well or spring waters. Granite countertops may give off trace amounts of radon.

Levels of indoor radon depend on multiple factors including construction integrity, presence of cracks within foundation slab or walls, ventilation, weather conditions, porosity, permeability and moisture content of soils, and geological makeup of the area.

Why is Radon important:

Because of gaseous nature, radioactivity, and as described by the US EPA, Radon-222 is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in the country.

Health risk due to Radon is greater now than ever, especially because many spend increasing hours working from home. The good news, however, is that the situation can be mitigated by simple methods. Testing would be the first step.

Testing:

At Multifamily Properties (as of Jan 2023):

  • State-specific license is required in: FL, IA, IL, KS, ME, MN, NE, OH, NJ, PA and WV.

  • National certification is required in: CA, KY and VA.

  • Both State-specific license and national certification are required in: CO, IN and RI.

    See the News page regarding new FHFA Radon testing requirements for more information.

EPA Action Levels:

  • 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) or

  • 0.016 WL (working level) or

  • 0.148 bq (becquerels)

EPA Radon Zones:

  • Zone 1/Red (>4 pCi/L)

  • Zone 2/Orange (2-4 pCi/L)

  • Zone 3/Yellow (<2.0 pCi/L)

    Dwelling structures are recommended to be tested annually regardless of EPA Zone.

EPA Maps of Radon Zones:

USA | AL | AK | AZ | AR | CA | CO | CT | DE | FL | GA | HI | ID | IL | IN | IA | KS | KY | LA | ME | MD | MA | MI | MN | MS | MO | MT | NE | NV | NH | NJ | NM | NY | NC | ND | OH | OK | OR | PA | RI | SC | SD | TN | TX | UT | VT | VA | WA | WV | WI | WY

Additional Assistance:

We’ll be happy to provide additional assistance regarding your needs for radon testing or mitigation, contact us today.

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