About Radon

Do I need a Radon Test

This information should help you decide if you should have a radon test added to your home inspection. After reading this I think you will agree that the minimal cost of this test is well worth the peace of mind that you and your family will have regarding this issue.

What is Radon and should I be concerned?

Radon is an odorless, tasteless and invisible gas produced by the decay of naturally occurring uranium in soil and water. Radon is a form of ionizing radiation and a proven carcinogen. Lung cancer is the only known effect on human health from exposure to radon in air. Thus far, there is no evidence that children are at greater risk of lung cancer than are adults. However, for everyone exposed to Radon the negative effects are accumulative over your lifetime.

Radon is a Class A Carcinogen and the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to the Environmental Protection Agency estimates. Overall, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. About 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked. On January 13, 2005, Dr. Richard H. Carmona, the U.S. Surgeon General, issued a national health advisory on radon.

SURGEON GENERAL HEALTH ADVISORY RADON (Rn)
“Indoor radon gas is a national health problem. Radon causes thousands of deaths each year. Millions of homes have elevated radon levels. Homes should be tested for radon. When elevated levels are confirmed, the problem should be corrected

EPA Recommends:

• If you are planning on buying a home or selling your home, have it tested for radon.
• For new homes, ask if radon resistant construction features have been used.
• Fix the home if the radon level is 4 picocuries per liter (4pCi/L) or higher.

How Can You Get Reliable Radon Test Results?

Your best way to obtain reliable results for radon testing is to use a Radalink Radon TeleMonitor. Spectrum Home Analysis is a certified Radalink Technology provider. Ron White is also certified by the National Environmental Health Association’s National Radon Proficiency Program.

The Radalink TeleMonitor is a sophisticated electronic instrument that collects data hourly and detects any unusual readings of radon, temperature and humidity caused by opening the surrounding windows or otherwise exchanging the house air, resulting in possible lower radon readings. Tilt and power sensors detect if the monitor is moved to a different location. Hourly barometric pressure readings will even help detect unusual radon averages due to extreme weather conditions. All of these safeguards give reliable, tamper-proof data. When it comes to detection of this extreme health hazard you owe it to yourself to have the most true and accurate, hourly data possible.

All Radalink radon reports will be e-mailed to you along with a detailed explanation of the recorded readings.

Is Radon an issue in Tennessee?

Yes, Radon is definitely found in Tennessee and according to the EPA Middle Tennessee, including the counties of Davidson and Williamson have some of the highest concentrations of radon in the state.
zone 1 Zone 1 Highest Potential (greater than 4 pCi/L)
zone 2 Zone 2 Moderate Potential (from 2 to 4 pCi/L)
zone 3 Zone 3 Low Potential (less than 2 pCi/L)

Tennessee Zone Map

You owe it to yourself and your family to schedule your radon test today!

Radon Article in The Tennessean (Nashville, TN)
January 12, 2007

State residents urged to have homes tested for radon

Author: ANNE PAINE
Staff Writer

Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the nation, and Tennesseans are being urged to have their homes tested for the gas. Gov. Phil Bredesen has proclaimed January as “Radon Action Month” to bring attention to the topic.

“Home testing is simple but important to protect the health of family members,” Bredesen said in a statement released Thursday.

Radon is an odorless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally, seeping into homes through openings in the foundation. Tennessee is loaded with phosphate-enriched limestone and Chattanooga shale, both of which contain traces of uranium. As the uranium decays, it gives off radiation. Radon levels are highest in the state in Middle and East Tennessee. The gas can build up in homes that have little air exchange with the outside, through windows or doors, for instance. It generally reaches the highest levels in winter, when houses are sealed tighter to keep out the cold air.

The Federal Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the gas is the top cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers, as well as being the second-leading cause of lung cancer overall.