What About Radon?
Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas, which occurs as a byproduct of the decay of uranium, an element naturally found in rocks and soils in many areas of the United States. Radon typically enters a building through cracks or holes in the foundation, chimney, or the sump pump well where it collects in the structure.
It was not until the 1960’s that the possible link between radon exposure and lung cancer became more generally accepted. Elevated radon levels have been discovered in virtually all states, although certain rock and soil types are more likely to exhibit elevated radon levels. Concentrations of radon can vary widely from floor to floor, room to room and from house to house in the same neighborhood. For that reason, the EPA and Surgeon General have recommended that all residential dwellings below the third floor be tested for radon.
Radiation occurring as a result of the presence of radon is measured in “picocuries” (pCi). The concentration of radon in a structure is expressed in terms of the amount of radiation in a given volume of air in picocuries per liter (pCi/l). No specific regulatory action level has been established for radon but the EPA has suggested in various public service bulletins that remedial action be taken when the level of radon in a residential dwelling exceeds 4.0 pCi/l.
If you are an owner of a non-public building which has been at any time tested for radon you must, according to New Jersey law, disclose the test results and any subsequent mitigation or treatment to the Buyer of the time the contract of sale is entered into. N.J.S.A. 26:2D-73.
Radon remediation companies and companies that test for radon must be certified by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
A radon test kit can be purchased for less than $10, and some are offered for free.
Tip: A good website is www.radon.com.
