Breathing Easy! Awarness of Radon Gases In The North Georgia Mountains

In dealing with a recent transaction, I have become very aware of the dangers involved with Radon Gases in North Georgia. Radon causes Lung Cancer and kills thousands of Americans every year, in Non-Smokers and Smokers alike. As a matter of fact, Radon is the number 1 cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to EPA estimates. Overall, Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Unfortunately I know this to be true, I lost my Mother-In-Law to lung cancer very sudden in the Spring of 2007. She never smoked a day in her life.

What Is Radon Gas And Where Does It Come From?

You can’t see Radon, nor can you smell or taste it. Radon is a radioactive gas. It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up from the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can then build up. Any home may have a problem with Radon. This means new homes as well as older homes, well sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. To the right is an illustration showing the State of Georgia and the levels of Radon that have been detected through tests results taken by the EPA. Red indicates Higher potential results of indoor Radon screening. Orange, which the North Georgia Mountain Region falls under, indicates a Moderate potential screening level of 2 and 4 pCi/L. The test results of the recent transaction taking by Ron Gill with Pillar To Post home Inspections that I mentioned earlier, was higher than 6 pCi/L. Anything over a 4 pCi/L is an unacceptable level. Yellow indicates the Lowest potential indoor Radon screening.

If you would like to have your home tested for Radon, here is my recommendation. Ron Gill with Pillar To Post Home Inspections can conduct a Test for you using the lastest technology. The Radon Test will cost $200 without a Home Inspection, and $175 while performing a Home Inpection.

A must read is the The United States Environmental Protection Agency “Home Buyer’s and Sellers Guide to Radon.” This guide gives great tips on Why you should test, How to test, and What To Do if you get higher than average results of Radon Gas in your home. Read the rest of this entry »