Protect yourself from radon

Good Neighbor Tips. A blog by Erin Doan State Farm Insurance Agency.

We are pleased to welcome a new contributor and advertiser, Erin Doan State Farm Insurance Agency of Scottville. Erin and his team provide you with weekly Good Neighbor Tips. Mason County Press is able to continue to be a free service to our readers thanks to the support of all our great advertisers. 

First, the bad news: Radon is colorless and odorless, but it’s deadly. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is responsible for 21,000 deaths yearly and is the second leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in the United States.

Radon comes from the decay of uranium in soil. It can enter your home through cracks in the foundation and other openings and then rises up. Once inside, radon builds up, causing a larger problem. Any home may have a radon problem—and the worst thing you can do is ignore it. “The biggest danger is assuming there’s not a problem because you don’t notice a problem,” says Jay Solomon, environmental and energy stewardship extension educator with the University of Illinois Extension.

Luckily, there’s good news: Identifying radon is doable. Target this hidden hazard—and take action—with these tips.

Test your home. The only way to know if you have radon is to test your home. Luckily, radon test kits are easy, inexpensive and only take a matter of minutes. The most common tests measure radon levels over the course of about a week. Depending on the type of test you take, you may be able to gather results within a couple days. After submitting your results, you’re typically notified about the outcome within about two weeks. For accurate results, follow the instructions on the test package as well as these guidelines and best practices.

Know your numbers. Radon is measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L), and “more than likely, your test will yield a positive result,” Solomon says. In fact, the national average indoor radon level is 1.3 pCi/L. The EPA’s recommended action level is 4 pCi/L. If your test yields 4 pCi/L or higher, it’s best to take a second test to confirm.

Take action. If your test results come back high, you’ll want to invest in a radon reduction system. A base system can range in cost from $900 to $1,500, Solomon says, and you’ll pay more for advanced systems. Check outyour state’s radon program and look for licensed radon mitigation contractors. Gather several estimates and obtain references to ensure you find the right contractor for the job.

Be diligent. To ensure safety, Solomon recommends testing your home every few years. “As soil breaks down, you can get higher levels of radon gas over time,” he says. For instance, the state of Illinois recommends testing every three years, plus or minus a season. “If you tested in summer before, test in the spring, fall or winter next time,” says Solomon.

^{The information in this article was obtained from various sources. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under any policy. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made.}

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This blog has been brought to you by Erin Doan State Farm Insurance Agency of Scottville. 231-757-3115. www.erindoan.com