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Rick Bates
P.O.Box 4127
Elmira, NY 14904
607-734-7900
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Indoor Air Quality "RADON Gas" Definition: Radon is a naturally occuring decay product of uranium-238 found in soils and rocks.
Why is Radon a concern for you as a property owner?
- Radon gas could accumulate to dangerous levels, especially during the winter months when windows and doors are tightly shut
- Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer
- Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers
- A smoker who is also exposed to radon has a much higher risk of lung cancer
- Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year
Where is Radon Found?
- Basement-cracks in foundation walls & floors or a uncovered sump pit
- Crawlspace-radon in earth in crawl space without a vapor barier
- Slab-air ducts built into slab, a negitive pressure can pull radon and distribute through structure
- Living Areas 2nd and 3rd floor
Unique Qualities of Radon
- Radon is a odorless, colorless, tasteless and chemically nonreactive gas
- Largest contributor to our daily exposure of radiation in the natural world is radon gas
What can be done about Radon? Many homes have high radon levels. New construction, older homes, basement, crawlspace, and slab type foundations can have a radon problem. Some newer homes are being built with radon resistant materials, but it is still a good idea to have the home tested for radon. It is easier to take steps to reduce radon while the home is still under construction. A gas permeable layer, plastic sheeting, sealing & caulking, and installation of a vent pipe and junction boxes are all steps in building radon resistant homes. If steps have not been taken in the building process to create a radon resistant structure, a radon mitigaton system may be needed to reduce high levels of radon. The average cost of a radon mitigation system is about $1500. You cannot see or smell radon, the only way to be sure your home has an acceptable level (4.0 pCi/L or lower) is to have your home tested.
Area Radon Concentration Maps-provided by NYS Department of Health
Living Area Long-Term Estimates
Basement Area Short-Term Estimates
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