| Frequently Asked Questions & Links
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Question:
My house is new. Isn't
radon only in old homes?
Answer:
No. All homes, young or old, have the potential to have a radon problem.
Question:
If I don't have a basement, can I have a radon problem?
Answer:
Yes. Slab on grade homes still have a section of wall 3 feet below grade
where gas gets trapped and gets into home.
Question:
What does pCi/L mean?
Answer:
This is how we term the measurement of radon. The "p" stands for
picos or parts per trillion, "C" stands for curies
( Madam Curie was a female scientist who discovered radium) and "L"
stands for liter, the quantity of air.
Question:
I have a low radon level i.e.: 5.7 pCi/L. How dangerous is this level?
Answer:
There are several articles on the danger of low level radiation. The real
question is, what is your families history? If cancer runs in your family,
then you're probably at a greater risk. Cancer is linked to more than
just radioactivity (i.e.: stress, food, etc) and doctors advise we don't
expose ourselves to the sun for long periods of time, so why take the
risk?
Question:
When I had my home tested, there was an open can of paint near by. Could
that have raised my radon level?
Answer:
No. There is no substance that mimics radon. Nothing in your basement
will raise or lower the radon level except for radon itself.
QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN SELECTING A RADON CONTRACTOR:
- Does the contractor have all appropriate
licenses? Make sure you ask to see them.
- Does the contractor charge to
do estimates?
- When talking to contractor does he/she sound knowledgeable
and able to explain the what and whys of the process?
- Did the contractor
give you a bid on company letterhead with name, address, and license numbers?
- Does bid include total cost? If not have them explain why.
- Does the
bid include a pCi/L guarantee? If not ask why.
- Does the bid include which
fan is being used and what the fan guarantee is from manufacture?
- What
gauge of pipe is being used (sch20 or sch40)? Sch40 pipe is preferred.
- Make sure the location of the system is in writing.
- Will the contractor
include a retest after the work has been completed? If so what testing method
will be used?
- If the contractor is requiring you to do some work prior
to installation have it in writing.
- If contractor is changing sump pump,
what is the pump's horsepower?
- If the sump pit is going to be sealed be
sure the sump lid has had a Drainer installed in the lid. This device allows
the sump pit to keep the ability to drain surface water should a water line
ever burst, and it is an E.P.A. code!
- The bid should include a "U" tube
minometer. This device shows the operating performance of the fan installed.
- Have the contractor give you a date and time as to when work is to be
completed.
- Ask the contractor to prepare the contract before any work
starts, and read it carefully!
- When getting quotes over the phone be careful
of contractors who low ball their price.
- Never choose a contractor who
does testing and mitigation.
RADON LINKS
