Radon Facts
• Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the US for people who do not smoke and exacerbates cancer risk for smokers.
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• Northern Indiana is in EPA Zone 1; the highest potential for radon in soil.
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• Elevated radon levels can be present in any type of home; old, new, basement, no basement, crawlspace or slab-on-grade. Because changes occur in our homes and environment, the EPA recommends that you test your home for radon every five years.
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• For more information go to IN.gov or call the Indiana Radon Hotline at 800- 272-9723.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas that forms naturally when radioactive metals or present in rocks, soil and groundwater. People can be exposed to radon primarily from breathing radon in air that comes through cracks and gaps in the foundations of buildings and homes. Because radon comes naturally from the earth, people are always exposed to it. Certain regions of the country, like northern Indiana, are in the highest radon zone.
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Where does radon come from?
Radon is part of the long decay chain for uranium. Since uranium is a common element in the earth's crust, radium and radon are present in almost all rock and all soil and water. The amount of radon in the soil varies from one house to the next. Radon levels are higher in Indiana than many other states. The amount of radon that escapes from the soil to enter the house depends on the concentration of radon in the soil, soil conditions, and conditions within the house.
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How does radon get into your home?
Radon is a radioactive gas. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home’s basement and crawl space trap radon inside, where it can build up. Radon can also find its way into a home that is built on concrete slab. Any home may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. Radon from soil gas is the main cause of radon problems. Sometimes radon enters the home through well water. In a small number of homes, the building materials can give off radon, too. However, building materials rarely cause radon problems by themselves.
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What Is the risk from radon in Indiana?
The Indiana State Department of Health estimates that approximately 1 in 3 Indiana homes tested have radon levels at or above the EPA action level of 4.0 pico-curies/liter of air (pCi/L).
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How do I get a radon test kit?
Radon Department has test kits available for purchase for do-it-yourself screening. The kits includes a carbon test device and instructions. Laboratory fees and pre-paid shipping are included in your purchase. You may purchase a test kit on this web site, call Susan at 281-703-4827 or email her at Susan@RadonDepartment.com.
The difference between our kits and hardware store brands is that the Radon Department has a certified radon professional to answer your questions and coach you on next steps, if needed. A portion of the proceeds of a test kit purchased on this web site is donated to the Cass County Citizens Coalition to support its efforts in bringing environmental awareness to northern Indiana.
What should I do if my test results exceed the action level?
If your test results exceed the Indiana action level of 4.0 picocuries per liter, we suggest that you have your home tested again by a qualified radon measurement professional. The Radon Department provides this service. Professional testing includes coaching on mitigation if we recommend that you fix your house.
Call Susan for a quote at 281-703-4827 to schedule testing or email her at Susan@RadonDepartment.com.
How much does radon mitigation cost?
Radon reduction systems work. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs. Your costs may vary depending on the size and design of your home and which radon reduction methods are needed.