Radon Myths and Facts

Radon Myths and Facts BE SAFE TEST YOUR HOME NOW FOR RADON

MYTH: Scientists are not sure that radon really is a problem.

FACT: Although some scientists dispute the precise number of deaths due to
radon, all the major health organizations (like the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, the American Lung Association and the American Medical Association)
agree with estimates that radon causes thousands of preventable lung cancer
deaths every year. This is especially true among smokers, since the risk to
smokers is much greater than to non-smokers.

MYTH: Radon testing devices are not reliable and are difficult to find.

FACT: Reliable radon tests are available from qualified radon testers and companies.
Active radon devices can continuously gather and periodically record radon levels
to reveal any unusual swings in the radon level during the test. Reliable testing
devices are also available by phone or mail-order, and can be purchased in hardware
stores and other retail outlets. Call your state radon office for a list of
radon device companies that have met state requirements. See our radon proficiency
page for information on how to find a "qualified" radon service professional.

MYTH: Radon testing is difficult and time-consuming.

FACT: Radon testing is easy. You can test your home yourself or hire a qualified
radon test company. Either approach takes only a small amount of time and effort.

MYTH: Homes with radon problems cannot be fixed.

FACT: There are solutions to radon problems in homes. Thousands of home owners
have already lowered elevated radon levels in their homes. Radon levels can
be readily lowered for $800 to $2,500. Call your state radon office for a list
of radon device companies that have met state requirements. See our radon proficiency
page for information on how to find a "qualified" radon service professional.

MYTH: Radon affects only certain types of homes.

FACT: Radon can be a problem in all types of homes, including old homes, new
homes, drafty homes, insulated homes, homes with basements and homes without
basements. Local geology, construction materials, and how the home was built
are among the factors that can affect radon levels in homes.

MYTH: Radon is only a problem in certain parts of the country.

FACT: High radon levels have been found in every state. Radon problems do vary
from area to area, but the only way to know the home's radon level is to test.

MYTH: A neighbor's test result is a good indication of whether your home has
a radon problem.

FACT: It is not. Radon levels vary from home to home. The only way to know
if your home has a radon problem is to test it.

MYTH: Everyone should test their water for radon.

FACT: While radon gets into some homes through the water, it is important to
first test the air in the home for radon. If your water comes from a public
water system that uses ground water, call your water supplier. If high radon
levels are found and the home has a private well, call the Safe Drinking Water
Hotline at (800) 426-4791 for information on testing your water. Also, call
your state radon office for more information about radon in air.

MYTH: It is difficult to sell a home where radon problems have been discovered.

FACT: Where radon problems have been fixed, home sales have not been blocked.
The added protection could be a good selling point.

MYTH: I have lived in my home for so long, it does not make sense to take action
now.

FACT: You will reduce your risk of lung cancer when you reduce radon levels,
even if you have lived with an elevated radon level for a long time.

MYTH: Short-term tests cannot be used for making a decision about whether to
reduce the home's high radon levels.

FACT: Short-term tests can be used to decide whether to reduce the home's high
radon levels. However, the closer the short-term testing result is to 4 pCi/L,
the less certainty there is about whether the home's year-round average is above
or below that level.

Keep in mind that radon levels below 4 pCi/L still pose some risk and that
radon levels can be reduced to 2 pCi/L or below in most homes. EPA Home | Privacy
and Security Notice | Contact Us Last updated on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2003 URL:
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/myths.html BE SAFE TEST YOUR HOME NOW FOR RADON
ONLY A RADON TEST WILL TELL IF YOU HAVE A DANGEROUS RADON PROBLEM TEST FOR RADON
AND KNOW

IN FLORIDA CALL ASSOCIATED RADON SERVICES 800-741-0629 RELIABLE RADON TESTING
SINCE 1990