Are Your Radon Test Results Bad News or Bogus?
Does Your Delaware Radon Inspection Test Need to be Revisited?
What is Radon?
Radon (Rn222) is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas. It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves through the ground to the air above and into homes through cracks and openings in the foundation. Any home may have a radon problem, and nearly one out of every 15 homes in the US is estimated to have elevated levels (greater than 4 pCi/L).
The EPA and USGS coordinated the production of radon zone maps, breaking each state up into one of three predicted radon zones, beginning in the mid-1980s (zone 1/high; zone 2/moderate; and zone3/low potential). These zones are based on the assessment of five factors that are known to be important indicators of indoor radon potential--indoor measurement techniques, geology, aerial radioactivity, soil parameters, and foundation types. Delaware and Maryland fall into EPA Region 3.
How Does Radon Affect The Property Owners in Delaware?
The northern Delaware Piedmont region is ranked moderate/zone 2 for radon potential based primarily on geology and soil types found in New Castle County; however, much of Kent and all of Sussex Counties are ranked low or radon potential zone 3. "Kent County and all of Sussex County are underlain by quartz-dominated sands, silts, gravels, and clays with low radon potential--NEPIS.EPA.GOV."
How Do I Know If I Have Radon?
Test kits are readily available through most hardware stores or online and are easy to use and well within the capabilities and budget of any homeowner. Testing for radon is the only way to be certain that there is not a problem in the home; however, there are several things that could negatively influence the test or, worse yet, produce a wrong result. Suffice it to say, if you are getting an abnormally high reading (or a borderline reading around 4 pCi/L), then an independent retesting is recommended before going through the trouble and expense of installing mitigation measures (or providing other concessions to the buyer).. Moreover, the site testing equipment used by some home inspectors is not infallible, and we have successfully challenged results obtained by less than skilled operators or uncalibrated equipment.