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Review of F.A.Q. in
EPA's Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon

The F.A.Q. format is perfect for reviewing the Questions and Answers section of the EPA Guide. (To view answers, turn on javascript of adjust your browser settings.)

EPA recommends that you take action to reduce your home's indoor Radon levels if your Radon test result is 4 pCi/L or higher. A radon meter or radon test will measure the radon levels according to this pCi/L measurement.
 
The EPA recommends that it is better to correct a Radon problem before placing your home on the market; because, then you have more time to address the problem..
 
The EPA recommends that if elevated levels are found during the real estate transaction, the buyer and seller should discuss the timing and costs of Radon reduction, then check with and get estimates from one or more qualified Radon mitigators..
 
Sealing cracks and other openings in the foundation is usually the first step, yet EPA does not recommend the use of sealing alone to limit Radon entry. That's because they say sealing alone has not been shown to lower Radon levels significantly or consistently. In addition, a system with a vent pipe(s) and fan(s) can be installed to expel and therefore reduce the Radon..
 
That's the system with a vent pipe(s) and fan(s) that can be installed to expel and therefore reduce the Radon. Similar systems can also be installed in homes with crawl spaces, as well as under the slab. Sub-slab depressurization prevents Radon gas from entering the home from below the concrete floor and from outside the foundation, by expelling it to the outside. Radon mitigation contractors may use other methods that may also work in your home. The right system depends on the design of your home and other factors..
 
In our review of the EPA Guide, we feel that the Guide should have included that home ventilation systems can reduce radon, as well. A study in Polk County, Florida showed that normal home ventilation systems, such as forced air and air conditioning, and outside air ventilation, can reduce Radon. This study appears on the EPA's website. The study found good results by using air exchange bring outside air into the home, and fans to keep the air circulating..
 
California Department of Public Health found that in the Truckee area, roughly a quarter of homes tested at or above the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L. In North Lake Tahoe, about 1 in 5 homes tested at or above that value. And finally, more than half of the homes in South Lake Tahoe tested higher.
 

This series is provided to inform about Radon at Lake Tahoe and beyond. On each page, you can view more by clicking on one of the navigation links below.


Home Air Quality Monitors

A Radon detector is only one home monitor that you can use to check the indoor air quality of your home at Lake Tahoe and beyond. Here's a handy link to home air quality monitors and other air quality products.


Navigation: More Radon Information

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