Radon Gas

Should I Worry About Radon?

Virtually everyone in the UK is exposed to radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas caused by tiny particles of uranium present in all rocks, soils, brick and concrete. Radon is a colourless and odourless gas, and therefore not detectable by human senses alone. Radon gas from natural sources can accumulate in buildings, especially in confined areas such as attics, and basements. In small amounts, Radon Gas does not present a significant health risk, however, in higher concentrations, there is a significant risk of lung cancer. In the UK between 1000 and 2000 deaths each year are estimated to be caused by exposure to radon. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, after smoking in the UK.

The good news is that radon gas if present in your home is relatively easy to remove.

Radon Maps

Since Radon Gas is naturally occurring, its concentration is significantly influenced by the local geological formations. As a result there are some areas of the UK that are more at risk than others. The HPA has studied the concentrations of Radon in all regions of the UK and have produced Radon Maps for all regions of the UK. The Radon Maps indicate the areas that are at high risk of radon gas contamination. If you home is in one of these areas, it does not automatically mean you have a radon gas problem. Radon in the home depends on many factors including home construction and ventilation. However, the Radon Maps show the probability that a problem may exist due to higher ground concentrations of Radon Gas.

As a first step every home owner and property owner needs to understand if they are at risk for radon gas contamination in their area. This can be done very easily by finding their location on the HPA’s Radon Maps. If you property is in a “high risk” area, you should consider conducting a very simple radon test with a radon test kit.

If radon is present in unacceptable levels, the home owner should seek out expert help with the problem. Airtech Environmental Systems has qualified people that can guide you through the remediation process. Related Blogs

• Fun facts about radon « For What It’s Worth

I have heard that the radon levels are high in Cornwall UK. I am a little skeptical since I have never heard, or know anyone who has died of cancer that was linked to radon.

Is this a real problem or is it just some hype created by the media?

Here is a gentle reminder of the dangers of Radon Gas in your home. Radon specialist Terry Howell says it (Radon) can accumulate in both old and new homes, also in office buildings, high-rises and schools. Exposure to radon can pose a serious health risk. NECN

Radon Detectors

Rand-Soellner a US based Architectural firm, anounced that it will include in all its blue prints, the plans for radon mitigation systems. In the past this has been and additonal add-on to the plans.   “Soellner felt that while this is a good thing to have for banks and office buildings and other public structures, homeowners ought to at least have the option of deciding whether they want a radon removal system or not.” http://www.homearchitects.com/radon-mitigation-diagrams

Radon Detectors

Radon Gas is a clear colorless gas that is produced by decaying uranium. It is around us all the time. This is one of the major sources of background radiation that we are exposed to every day. The levels of radon that are produced vary from one geographic region to another.   But what can we do to mitigate the effects of the constant exposure to radiation produced by radon or by other sources both man made and natural in our environment.

  Nutritionist Kimberly Snyder has posted this great list of foods that can help minimize the effects of radion.

And I am happy to say that there are things we can do in our diet to help minimize the effect of radiation. How can food help? Firstly, if we have enough minerals in our system, the cells become saturated with minerals and there may be less opportunity for the radioactive  minerals to be absorbed into our systems. Second, there are certain specific foods which can actively help draw the radioactive materials to them and pull them out of the body (chelation). Thirdly, if we eat foods very high in antioxidant nutrients and enzymes, it will help squash out the free radicals created by radiation exposure.

Anti-Radiation Foods that Fit into Our Above Criteria

• Swiss chard• Turnip greens• Watercress• Mustard greens• Kale• Spinach (no surprise here, all greens!)• Kelp• Dulse• Chlorella• Nori• Beets• Bee pollen (note: non-vegan)• Garlic• Apples• Chaparral• Siberian ginseng

The evidence of the imminent dangers of Radon Gas to our health just keep growing.  Daily Health Reviews reports:   “It is estimated that about 12% of lung cancer deaths can be attributed to radon gas, a colorless, odorless gas that is a natural byproduct of the decay of uranium. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that as many as 15% of homes in the United States have unsafe levels of radon gas, which will account for 15,000 to 22,000 deaths from lung cancer annually.”

Educate yourself to the dangers of Radon and Black Mould.

December has crept up on us with unusual speed this year. Here is a short article with several reminders to check the safety conditions in your home. With our lives as busy as always, using the end of the year as a time to get all those routine tasks completed is as good at time as any. http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/12/05/1956493/holiday-safety-tips.html   Don’t forget to check your Radon Detectors, the Radon Fan and check for Black Mould in the damper areas of your home.

Are you aware of the new Radon initiative here in Canada.

Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq said people should test the air in their homes for radon.

“You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it,” she said Tuesday. “The only way to know if you have a radon problem is to test your home.”

  The Canadian Government is urging all Canadians to take a close look at radon contamination in their homes. 7% of Canadian homes have Radon levels in excess of the national standards.   The most shocking fact, however, is that 10% of all lung cancer is caused by radon exposure. That makes radon the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.   “Long-term exposure to radon, which surfaces from underground, causes about 10% of lung cancer deaths, says Heather Borquez, the head of the Canadian Lung Association.”  – Toronto Sun

Have your  home checked for radon by an expert and take the necessary precautions to eliminate radon from your home.   Radon Detectors

Sam Schneiderman, broker owner of Great Boston Home Team (our Monday guy) asks questions about how a consumer can sort through advice and choose the best course of action.

“There are lots of opinions and expectations about what an agent should know or be responsible for, but realistically, an agent can not be as knowledgeable and up to the minute on the specialties of an attorney, inspector, radon tester, financial consultant, etc. “

At the tend of the day, it’s your home, your family and your health. It is up to you to choose the best professional that can protect your own interests. That will mean that you need to research each topic yourself. This doesn’t mean you be come an expert but learn enough so you can choose the correct “professional”.

Unfortunately, when we get so many “professionals” involved, they like to draw lines and pass blame. In a real estate transaction you need to consider your self the project manager not just a customer. You have to look out for your own interests.

There are many good professionals out there, you just have to find them. Just steer clear of the one’s who what to build walls.

Radon Detectors save lives.

The Elliot Lake region in Canada, has one of the higest levels of radon in Canada. Mr Allan Pequegnat descided after living in his home for 9 years to have his home tested for radon gas. Once he found the levels were above Canadian standards he replaced his non-functional radon fan.

RadonKit.co.uk applaud your actions sir.http://www.elliotlakestandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2860516

 How many of us would play Russian Roulet with a partially loaded gun? I expect most of us would run the other way.

In a recent study in Ireland, two thirds of people who are aware of the dangers of radon gas are unwilling to get their house tested and install a radon detector.

According to new research carried out on behalf of the RPII, 77% of people are aware of radon gas, while 56% perceive it to be a health risk if present in the home. However among those aware of radon, 61% said they are unlikely to have their homes tested.  IrishHealth.com

Are you risking your families health by ignoring this invisible killer? Get you house tested for radon today.