radon controls

Radon: Invisible killer

2011-06-13T11:21:00.000-04:00

Ginger Collins died of lung cancer in February. Her family believes the cause of Collins' disease can be attributed to exposure to radon, a colorless, odorless natural gas that is fairly common in Western Virginia.

By Mary Hardbarger and Laurence Hammack
The Roanoke Times

PEARISBURG -- For more than 30 years, Ginger Collins worked, prayed and raised her three daughters in the ranch-style brick house she and her husband built atop Bunker Hill. Little did she know that something inside her workplace, her refuge, her life, was slowly killing her. Collins died in February of lung cancer. She was 58.

Thing is, "Mama never smoked a day in her life," said Collins' youngest daughter, Tina Steele.

Collins' family believes that their beloved mother, wife and sister fell victim to radon, a naturally occurring gas that is the No. 2 leading cause of lung cancer -- second only to cigarette smoke.

In January, the level of radon in her home was discovered to be more than four times that recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency. Until then, the Collinses had never heard of radon, let alone known the devastation it could cause.

Full article here: http://www.roanoke.com/news/nrv/287353

There is something to be said...

2011-03-11T14:39:00.006-05:00

About doing business with a company that has been around for a while. Getting three bids on a job and picking the lowest bid may not be the wisest choice. There are benefits in doing business with companies that may be a little higher on price. These established companies have been around longer and have been tested for their integrity and customer satisfaction levels. These companies have been able to maintain their reputations through the good and bad economic times. Bottom line, they have an easily obtainable "tract record" of how they do business.

In the field of radon mitigation, the above statements are certainly true. In more than 25 years of radon mitigation we have seen everything from “Central Vacuum System” installers mitigating homes, as well as plumbers and HVAC contractors. Even newly “certified” radon mitigators have cost homeowners large sums of money and delayed real estate transaction in an effort to break into a market. The cost to break into the market is at the expense of the customer and not the mitigator. The end result is a sub-standard work product. Take a look at the photo on the left. This is a system installed by a “certified” mitigator. The issues with his systems may not be obvious at first, but he has created a low point in the manifold ducting, which will collect water. This mistake is fairly common among inexperienced mitigators and will cause premature wear on the blower motor, noise throughout the house and not mention what is the homeowner going to do with all that water. How are they going to get rid of it? Call the mitigator every few months at the tune of $100 service call to empty the water? No, I do not think so. The system needs to be installed correctly.

Our point is this, we understand the cost of a service is certainly important and should be weighed, but it is not the only consideration. The expertise brought to the project and the quality of work is just as important. In other words at the end of the day, was the work performed right the first time and did the customer get what they paid for? These questions certainly are legitimate to ask. Take a look at the photo to the left. Mitigators out of the state of PA installed this system (yeah, here in Chesterfield, VA). Cost was the only consideration when considering radon mitigation. We were asked to fix the aesthetics of this system. This mitigator did not care what the system looked like. We know this because he put the system within three feet of the front door. With a little extra effort, we were able to locate the system in the garage and vent through the rear roof.

Please watch the clip below, it is about a family that had a radon issue and evidently chose unknowingly to go with a radon mitigator that was less than legitimate in his services and practices...

No one should have to go through something like this:

Unbelievable radon story

Uranium mining foes use scare tactics, pseudoscience | Richmond Times-Dispatch

2011-02-28T11:15:00.003-05:00

Sadly, what also gets lost in the rhetoric in these situations is the settled science and known health hazards cause by exposure to Uranium. Whether they mine that area or not, indoor radon levels in many homes and businesses in that area are more than likely above the

EPA action level. Testing is the only way to know for sure.

Uranium mining foes use scare tactics, pseudoscience Richmond Times-Dispatch

Radon and selling your home...

2011-02-22T09:31:00.002-05:00

If your home has already been tested for radon, providing your test results to any potential buyer is recommended. It is recommended that you use a certified tester so that reliability of the test results are not questioned.

If your home has not yet been tested for radon, make sure that a radon test is done as soon as possible. If you can, test your home before you put it on the market. This may save you valuable time during a real estate transaction. The test should always be taken in the lowest level of the home which is finished and suitable for occupancy. If your home has additions that are in contact with the ground, test those areas as well. The results of the radon test(s) should then be made available to potential buyers.

If your home has a radon mitigation system have your home tested every two years, per EPA recommendation. Testing to check the effectiveness of the mitigation system ensures safe levels are maintained as well as heads off any questions at the time of a real estate transaction. Maintain those test results and have them available to potential buyers.

In the Richmond area, we recommend Radon Ease for radon testing.

OUR EXPOSURE TO RADON IN A NUT SHELL...

2011-02-16T14:17:00.000-05:00

Although radon is chemically inert and electrically uncharged, the radon progeny formed via the radioactive decay series are in fact electrically charged and readily attach themselves to microscopic dust particles present throughout an indoor environment.

These dust particles are frequently inhaled into the lungs or ingested (from drinking water) into the gastrointestinal tract.

The inhaled particles immediately attach to the lung alveoli while the ingested radon progeny are absorbed into the bloodstream and ultimately transported to the lungs.

The deposited progeny readily undergo subsequent radioactive decay processes by emitting alpha radiation which slowly penetrates the inner lung surface, disrupts DNA structure within lung cells, and can potentially induce lung cancer.

Dr. Oz Show: Lung Cancer Is Deadly and Test Your Home for Radon TODAY

2011-02-11T15:00:00.000-05:00

Today on the Dr. Oz Show, we learned about Lung Cancer and how Radon in your home is a leading cause of it in non-smokers.

Dr. Oz says that lung cancer kills more than breast, colon and pancreatic cancers combined. If you know the warning signs and catch it early, you can survive. Last year in the US, over 220,000 patients were diagnosed with lung cancer, and nearly 160,000 people died of it. Most cases are caused by smoking, but you don’t have to smoke to get lung cancer.

Dr. Oz’s guests today were Dr. Otis Brawley, the Chief Medical Officer of the American Cancer Society and Regina Vidaver, the Executive Director of the National Lung Cancer Partnership.

The warning signs of lung cancer are first and foremost, a cough that doesn’t go away. After multiple rounds of antibiotics, if your cough has still not gone away, or if you’ve have a cough for more than a month, you need to see a doctor. If you’re coughing up blood, you need to see a doctor. And the last warning sign is pain in the chest, neck or shoulder.

Besides smoking, Vidaver says that ex-smokers are still at risk. Other risk factors are exposure to second-hand smoke, radon and then your genetics can predispose you to it as well. 20,000 people every year get diagnosed with lung cancer that never smoked.

The number one cancer risk in your home is radon. Rebecca Morley, the Executive Director of the National Center for Healthy Living says that when radon gets trapped in your home, it can become a problem as it is a Class-A carcinogen. One in 15 homes have radon in them! Everybody needs to get a test from the hardware store and check your home. The EPA acceptable Radon level is 4.0 pCi/L, but Morley said the World Health Organization set it at 2.7. If you have test results that are higher than acceptable levels, you need to have a company come in and do mitigation that removes the radon from your house and sends it out via a pipe in the roof.

January is National Radon Awareness Month

2011-01-10T11:59:00.003-05:00

The World Health Organization has released their mortality statistics for 2010 and a startling statistic about in-home causes of death surfaced. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Radon Gas causes over 20,000 deaths annually in the United States. To put that into perspective, Radon caused more deaths in 2010 than drunk driving, fires, and carbon monoxide.

The EPA is urging the U.S. media to assist in creating awareness of this silent killer by declaring January National Radon Awareness Month. Radon problems have been detected in almost every county in the United States. The Surgeon General and American Lung Association have also taken action to help prevent these needless deaths by recommending that all homes in the U.S. be tested regardless of geographic location or foundation type.
Testing is the key. If elevated levels are found, mitigation will reduce the risk.
You can learn more about Radon Gas and National Radon Action Month 2011 at radonmonth.wordpress.com.

Also visit our website at http://radoncontrols.blogspot.com/ a very good site for realtors and prospective home buyers.

Oct 2010 E-FACT

2010-10-07T08:45:00.002-04:00

When you hear the word "Radon." I hope you think of us here a Radon Controls, Inc. We have made it our business to make homes and businesses safe for over 22 years. One interesting property of radon is that it glows when cold. Radon gas is clear and colorless. The liquid is transparent. The element starts to glow yellow, then orange, then red, as cooled into its opaque solid form at -71°C. The glow is 'Cerenkov radiation', which is light produced as charged subatomic particles interact with their immediate environment. Below is a photo of Cerenkov radiation.

Customer Feedback

2010-09-16T14:26:00.003-04:00

Leadership problems concerning radon

2010-09-10T07:41:00.001-04:00

It’s been 22 years since Congress passed the Indoor Radon Abatement Act. Everyday in the US, 60 people will die a day as a result of indoor radon induced lung cancer. In a year’s time, that is 22,000 people.

The question is no longer if radon gas is a threat; it’s whether or not our local, county, state and Federal representatives will provide leadership in this area.

In Virginia, only 2 counties have adopted the IRC codes pertaining to radon resistance construction. Virginia has 48 counties in EPA Zone 1.

Think about it, we all think we are the safest while in our homes. For instance, a house having 4 pCi of radon per liter of air has about 8 or 9 atoms of radon decaying every minute in every liter of air inside the house. A 1,000 square foot house with 4 pCi/L of radon has nearly 2 million radon atoms decaying in it every minute. That 4 pCi/l action level doesn't seem to low does now does it.

Receiving Customer Feedback is always good.......

2010-09-09T09:20:00.002-04:00

What's in a measurement? 4 pC/iL Rn222

2010-09-01T11:45:00.001-04:00

For instance, a house having 4 pCi of radon per liter of air has about 8 or 9 atoms of radon decaying every minute in every liter of air inside the house. A 1,000 square foot house with 4 pCi/L of radon has nearly 2 million radon atoms decaying in it every minute. The photo below shows the "Tracks" made by Alpha Particles. (Radiation)

Radon - The Killer in Tobacco

2010-08-24T13:30:00.000-04:00

Out of nearly 4,000 chemicals found in tobacco smoke, only 2 definite chemical carcinogens have been identified in cigarette smoke - benzopyrine and nitrosamine -the most potent carcinogen found in tobacco is radiation from Polonium-210, a radon decay product.
The use of phosphate fertilizers on tobacco has tripled in recent years. Calcium phosphate accumulates uranium which slowly releases radon gas. The breakdown of radon produces radioactive polonium-210 which adheres to the tobacco leaves.
The Surgeon General stated that radioactivity, rather than tar, accounts for at least 90% of all smoking-related lung cancers.
Given this information it appears that radon is the number one cause of lung cancer.

To read more information please see: Dr. Gordon Edwards

Estimating Lung Cancers....

Radioactive Polonium in Tobacco

Where does radon in my water come from?

2010-08-23T10:23:00.000-04:00

As water moves through the ground, radon gas can be carried in the water to your tap. When well water is agitated at warm temperatures in the home, radon is released into the air. When you shower, bathe or simply run the tap, the radon in the water is liberated into the air, forming radon gas that can be inhaled in. According to the EPA, radon levels in ground water are highest in New England and the Appalachian uplands of the Mid-Atlantic and Southern States. Certain areas around the Rocky Mountains, California, Texas and the upper Midwest also have elevated levels of radon in the ground water. These areas are most likely to have elevated radon in water levels, but radon in water can occur anywhere in the US.

Fixing the problem...

Simple aeration removes up to 99% of radon from water. Radon is rarely a problem in public systems because the water is aerated during water treatment. Unfortunately, this does not occur in water being drawn from a private well. Aeration treatment equipment aerates the water, then vents the gas to the outside. This treatment option requires that the gas be vented above the roof line, otherwise the gas may enter the home.

Customer Feedback

2010-04-26T19:38:00.001-04:00

I have been impressed with the way Radon Controls has addressed my Radon issue.

The first time Radon Controls came out they designed and installed a sub-slab suction system that was very nicely done. Because they noted the air movement beneath my slab was minimal, their design allowed for expansion if needed. And after testing it was determined the system would need to be expanded, so a second sub-slab penetration was also very nicely installed.

However, readings were still high in the basement, so Chris Johnson came out and examined the situation. When he learned there was a closed-in crawl space beneath our front porch and adjacent to the basement, he theorized that the Radon may be entering from that area. Chris took readings in the crawl space and learned the Radon levels were shockingly high. (His readings were substantiated by test kits I had.)

At this point, Chris decided to enhance the existing system to concentrate on two more sup-slab and one in-wall penetration along the wall adjacent to the crawl space. And once again the install was so nicely designed and installed it is only noticeable in one remote area. Chris felt these penetrations would be beneficial and possibly eliminate the need to cover the crawl space. However, as somewhat expected, levels in the basement continued to be high.

Finally, Chris and his team blanketed the crawl space with a polyethylene sheet and sub sheet mitigation system. This system trapped and removed gasses. It drastically dropped the Radon levels in the crawl space and subsequently lowered the levels in the basement to well under the “take action” point.

I believe the difficulty level involved in resolving my Radon issue was well above that of a normal situation. I feel very good about how Radon Controls approached my issue. It took several steps, but each was logically thought out with consideration to which had the best chance of success. It just proved to be a particularly tough situation.

If you have Chris examine your situation, I believe you can be confident he is very knowledgeable in Radon mitigation, studies the situation carefully, goes about testing in a logical and systematic method and will offer solutions that give the greatest chance for success with the least disruption.

J McK

Richmond, VA

Found during inspection for real estate transaction......

2009-09-11T11:14:00.000-04:00

I did not do this inspection or take this photo. This photo was passed on to me from another radon professional. Can anyone see what is wrong in this photo?

The bad news is this.... These systems were installed by a certified radon mitigator. My first comment upon seeing the photo was "What was this guy thinking?" "He should know better than that." Then a thought of how this guy would give all mitigators a bad name. You can not say enough about experience. The mitigator is fairly new to the field and has not acquired the knowledge yet to install systems properly. You should check the experience on any company/contractor that works at your home. Problem with the above system is that it has condensation traps and will collect large sums of water in the ducting. Causing mold, mildew and premature wear on the blower motor.

Radon Mitigation System Service

2009-09-02T09:51:00.003-04:00

END OF SUMMER SPECIAL - ONLY $75

Radon Mitigation System Check-Up

OFFER ENDS SEPTEMBER 30, 2009

Radon Controls is offering a special reduced rate (regularly $90) for our in-home system check of your existing radon mitigation system. Our service includes an inspection of your mechanical device and the air handling system components. We will ensure your system is functioning properly and that all components meet the current standards for the radon mitigation industry.

Modifications to your home may affect the performance of your radon mitigation system. A service check is highly recommended if you have had any of these things done to your home since your radon mitigation system was installed:

· Added on to the existing structure

· Changed or moved your heating /AC unit(s)

· Had the heating/AC system serviced

· Work done inside your crawl space

· Finished or remodeled your basement

Homes with 2 or more foundation types (basement, crawl space, concrete slab) may have elevated radon levels in some portions of the home even when a radon mitigation system has been installed. This could occur if limited testing was done prior to installing the radon mitigation system therefore steering the design of the system to treat only one of the foundation areas of the home, leaving one or more sources of radon entry untreated.

ASTM standards have changed. Be advised the material used for your system exhaust may not meet the current specifications. In the past, aluminum and vinyl downspout was occasionally used. This material can emit radon at the joints and often the improper sizing of these products puts significant backpressure on the fan reducing the life of the motor. Our service check can identify and offer to correct any deficiency in your system to ensure optimal performance per the current standards of the radon mitigation industry. (Most exhaust can be upgraded for $125.00)

Remember to keep you and your family safe, the EPA recommends you test your home for radon at least every 2 years even if you have a radon mitigation system currently installed. This will ensure your radon mitigation system is working properly. (Testing as low as $25.00)

If you would like to schedule a check up of your radon mitigation system or if we can answer any questions you may have, please give us a call.

CALL TODAY TO SET YOUR APPOINTMENT:

804-730-8220 Office

804-317-7094 or cjohnson@geoenvironmental.net

WEBSITE: http://geoenvironmental.net

BLOG: http://radoncontrols.blogspot.com/

Why plumbers or builders should not install mitigation systems....

2009-08-27T20:15:00.005-04:00

The number one reason is its unlawful: (Unless the builder/plumber meets the below requirements)

§ 32.1-229.01. Companies listed as proficient to perform radon screening, testing or mitigation; compliance.
A. No person shall conduct or offer to conduct any radon screening, testing or mitigation in the Commonwealth unless he has been listed as proficient by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the National Radon Measurement Proficiency Program of the National Environmental Health Association or the National Radon Safety Board Certified Radon Professional Program or any other proficiency program acceptable to the Board of Health to offer such screening, testing or mitigation.

B. Radon professionals listed as proficient pursuant to subsection A shall comply with the radon mitigation and testing standards outlined in the Environmental Protection Agency's publication, EPA 402-R-93-078, as revised, or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International) Standard, E-2121-02, or any other radon testing and mitigation standards accepted by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Board.

We were asked to bring this new construction residence up to current ASTM Standards by a local/national builder. The blower motor should never be installed in the basement.

We cut the ducting to ensure a proper suction pit had been dug. We found that there was no suction pit and the vent was actually 6" into the the soil.

After pulling the vent out of the slab and soil. Notice the vent is jammed full of soil.

After talking with the builder, we learned that they had a plumber install the system. Plumbers are normally not certified to do radon mitigation. Bottom line: Make sure any radon mitigation system installed in your home is installed by a certified professional mitigator.

Code of Virginia: § 32.1-229.01.

Checking your Certified Contractor's work

2009-08-26T12:09:00.002-04:00

Below is a list of basic installation requirements that your contractor should meet when installing a radon reduction system in your home. It is important to verify with your contractor that the radon mitigation standards are properly met to ensure that your radon reduction system will be effective. You can also check with your state radon office to see if there are state requirements that your contractor must meet.
Radon reduction systems must be clearly labeled. This will avoid accidental changes to the system which could disrupt its function.
The exhaust pipe(s) of soil suction systems must vent above the surface of the roof and 10 feet or more above the ground, and at least 10 feet away from windows, doors, or other openings that could allow the radon to reenter the house, if the exhaust pipe(s) do not vent at least 2 feet above these openings.

The exhaust fan must not be located in or below a livable area. For instance, it should be in an unoccupied attic of the house or outside - not in a basement!

If installing an exhaust fan outside, the contractor must install a fan that meets local building codes for exterior use.

Electrical connections of all active radon reduction systems must be installed according to local electrical codes.

A warning device must be installed to alert you if an active system stops working properly. Examples of system failure warning devices are: a liquid gauge, a sound alarm, a light indicator, and a dial (needle display) gauge. The warning device must be placed where it can be seen or heard easily. Your contractor should check that the warning device works. Later on, if your monitor shows that the system is not working properly, call a contractor to have it checked.

A post-mitigation radon test should be done within 30 days of system installation, but no sooner than 24 hours after your system is in operation with the fan on, if it has one. The contractor may perform a post-mitigation test to check his work and the initial effectiveness of the system; however, it is recommended that you also get an independent follow-up radon measurement. Having an independent tester perform the test, or conducting the measurement yourself, will eliminate any potential conflict of interest. To test the system's effectiveness, a 2-7 day measurement is recommended. Test conditions: windows and doors must be closed 12 hours before and during the test, except for normal entry/exit.

Make sure your contractor completely explains your radon reduction system, demonstrates how it operates, and explains how to maintain it. Ask for written operating and maintenance instructions and copies of any warranties.
Information in this post came from the following EPA website: http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/consguid.html#Checking%20Your%20Contractors%20Work

Radon Levels

2009-08-24T10:25:00.000-04:00

The average indoor radon level is estimated to be about 1.3 pCi/L, and about 0.4 pCi/L of radon is normally found in the outside air. 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. It is better to correct a radon problem before placing your home on the market because then you have more time to address a radon problem.

If elevated levels are found during the real estate transaction, the buyer and seller should discuss the timing and costs of the radon reduction. The cost of making repairs to reduce radon levels depends on how your home was built and other factors. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs. Check with and get an estimate from one or more qualified mitigators.

The U.S. Congress has set a long-term goal that indoor radon levels be no more than outdoor levels. While this goal is not yet technologically achievable in all cases, most homes today can be reduced to 2 pCi/L or below.

Sometimes short-term tests are less definitive about whether or not your home is above 4 pCi/L. This can happen when your results are close to 4 pCi/L. For example, if the average of your two short-term test results is 4.1 pCi/L, there is about a 50% chance that your year-round average is somewhat below 4 pCi/L. However, EPA believes that any radon exposure carries some risk - no level of radon is safe. Even radon levels below 4 pCi/L pose some risk, and you can reduce your risk of lung cancer by lowering your radon level.
If your living patterns change and you begin occupying a lower level of your home (such as a basement) you should retest your home on that level.
Information on this post was taken from the EPA website: http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/hmbyguid.html#6.a.

Testing for radon is the key...

2009-08-24T09:07:00.000-04:00

Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. EPA also recommends testing in schools.
Testing is inexpensive and easy — it should only take a few minutes of your time. Millions of Americans have already tested their homes for radon.

SHORT-TERM TESTING:
The quickest way to test is with short-term tests. Short-term tests remain in your home for two days to 90 days, depending on the device. "Charcoal canisters," "alpha track," "electret ion chamber," "continuous monitors," and "charcoal liquid scintillation" detectors are most commonly used for short-term testing. Because radon levels tend to vary from day to day and season to season, a short-term test is less likely than a long-term test to tell you your year-round average radon level. If you need results quickly, however, a short-term test followed by a second short-term test may be used to decide whether to fix your home

LONG-TERM TESTING:
Long-term tests remain in your home for more than 90 days. "Alpha track" and "electret" detectors are commonly used for this type of testing. A long-term test will give you a reading that is more likely to tell you your home's year-round average radon level than a short-term test.

Bottom line... testing your home for radon is easy and inexpensive. There are DIY kits available at most hardware stores. Also, there are certified radon testing companies that can handle the testing for you.

Information on this post was taken from the EPA. http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html#overview