Radon?

AllieSchur

So, the house next door to us just sold and we met our new neighbors this evening. I was talking to the wife and my dh was chatting with the husband and I hear him tell my husband that we should have our house checked for Radon gas, as I guess the levels in the house were like really really high, and they are starting the mitigation process tomorrow so we may hear noise, blah blah blah... I immediately came in and went on a Google binge and was not happy, things like radioactivity, possible link to miscarriage and some evidence of male fertility issues.

 Just wondering if anyone has heard of this or has had any Radon problems in your homes?. I told dh that I am calling the Radon people first thing in the morning, of course I am now freaking out and am insisting on leaving all the windows open all night long. Let the burglars steal all of our Radon soaked belongings!!!

MrsWiseone

We are building a house and my dh added a radon detection thing. Not sure what it does. I was told radon is an issue in rocky areas.

E&B0811

We had our house tested and the levels were high so we got a radon fan installed. It was about $800 or so and the levels are totally in check. It's been almost 6 and a half years so I don't really remember what the fuss is all about but whatever it was it was bad enough to spend the money for the fan.

JCM285

When we were house searching, we learned about radon.  Usually areas that are hilly or rocky have traces of radon.  It is still being understood by the science world.  I don't think anyone really has a firm grasp on it.  Many people in radon-afflicted areas get a ventilation system put in which pipes extends from underneath the first floor and there is an exhaust fan that pushes the radon our of the house.  Even if you get this system, you should periodically check your levels to make sure it is working properly.  I wish I knew more, but I never lived in an area with radon.  Good luck!

uneek1323

Did you come across this site in your search?  https://www.epa.gov/radon/zonemap.html It shows which areas are more at risk and how to test your home.

AllieSchur

Thanks guys!! Hubby just ordered the test kits from Amazon! Hopefully the levels will be normal, that was the first freak out I've had in a while!! Got to love TTCAL brain...

LaRomana09

meladoriestar said:

Thanks guys!! Hubby just ordered the test kits from Amazon! Hopefully the levels will be normal, that was the first freak out I've had in a while!! Got to love TTCAL brain...

I'm going to buy a kit too. DH is laughing at me. He thinks we're being paranoid. Stupid DH.

Not paranoid at all.  Radon is very dangerous, but also very easy to test for and address (if needed) with the mitigation systems PPs mentioned.  We had ours tested when we bought our house because we live in a high Radon area, and it was fine, but we were told to re-test every couple of years.

bumpuser9524622

uneek1323 said:

Did you come across this site in your search?  https://www.epa.gov/radon/zonemap.html It shows which areas are more at risk and how to test your home.

I was going to recommend this site as well.

Also, if your home is in a high-risk area, you may be able to get a test kit for free. We got a free one...I think it was through the county health department. I hope your levels are nothing to worry about!