Radon

[britjojo]

In case you haven't heard of radon, it's a gas that can be drawn up through the foundations of your house, it is radioactive, and it can cause lung cancer.

We recently (read four months ago) found out that our house has massively high levels of radon gas in the basement. In our living areas it is better, but you are still looking at about a 7-8 where we sleep, which is double the safe level.

Well we finally got the money together between tax returns and some other stuff and we can at last, have the work done. This is a huge relief-it has been so stressful going without heating and air conditioning because I was afraid to make my little one breath it. So now it is just a case of waiting and seeing when the guys can come and do the work. YAY!

[kitsch_k]

that is scary information. do you hve any idea where the gas usually comes from?? what is the root cause?!

[britjojo]

It is naturally occuring and is really common. Its most common in areas that have a lot of granite because granite releases it, and because granite concentration is associated with high levels of uranium in the area. Uranium is the ultimate cause, but you might not have it too close-we do here, it's all around. It builds up in houses because of closed air circulations.

[carebear]

Is it limited to a certain area or state?

[britjojo]

This is the radon potential map for Nevada, you can pick out your county-I don't know where Reno is. Hope this helps-test can be picked up from DIY stores for about $15-20 and it's real easy to do.

Nevada | EPA Map of Radon Zones | Radon | Indoor Air Quality | Air | US EPA