The Importance of Proactive Radon Testing: A Residential Case Study
This case study showcases the importance of routine radon testing along with the effectiveness of installing a customized radon mitigation system.
Introduction:
Green Earth Remediation was approached by a homeowner, Brian, who had purchased a home in July 2020. While the home was tested for radon as part of the real estate transaction, Brian was concerned about the health of his family and wanted to ensure that his home remained safe for his children.
Client Background:
One of Brian’s children had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma 5 years before and after receiving treatment was in remission. However, Brian and his wife became very health conscious and began to research the potential dangers of radon in the home. After learning that there really is no safe level of radon and that radon levels in the home can fluctuate due to a wide range of different factors, Brian and his wife reached out to Green Earth Remediation to test for radon. A test was placed on January 17, 2024, and came back with a reading of 19.7 pCi/L.
Problem Statement:
Brian’s home initially tested within a range acceptable for real estate transactions at 3.7 pCi/L. Just 4 years later, test results showed that Brian’s home now had more than 3 times as much radon. At any level higher than 3.0 pCi/L, the EPA recommends taking action with a radon mitigation system.
Radon is a group 1 carcinogen, and an estimated 21,000+ lung cancer deaths are attributed to radon exposure in the United States each year. Because lung cancer is usually diagnosed in later stages of the disease, it is considered one of the most dangerous and fatal cancers.
Green Earth Remediation Solution:
Green Earth Remediation quickly went to work designing and installing a radon mitigation system. The system was installed within several days. Our team will continue to ensure that the system is operating as it should be by providing radon testing every 5 years along with any necessary maintenance or repairs of the mitigation system.
Results Achieved:
A post-mitigation test came back at 0.4 pCI/L, indicating that the new system was working effectively to create a safer environment within the home. Although no level of radon exposure is completely safe, reducing indoor radon levels through mitigation can significantly reduce health risks and provide your family with the same peace of mind achieved in this case by Brian and his wife.
Conclusion:
This case study demonstrates the importance of routine radon testing in the home. Even if you had a radon test performed when you moved into your home, retesting should be considered every 5 years and when:
- The home is listed for sale or rent.
- The building is altered or an addition is built.
- The heating or cooling system is significantly altered.
- Weatherization is installed or updated on the home.
- Significant construction takes place in the areas surrounding the home.
Green Earth Remediation was able to provide swift service and effective radon mitigation solutions to help Brian’s family gain peace of mind following a serious health scare in their immediate family.
