Homes with high levels of radon have been found in all Massachusetts counties. Most Massachusetts areas have moderate to high radon levels, with Middlesex, Essex and Worcester counties having the most incidences of high radon levels as determined by the EPA.Keeping this in consideration, is radon testing required in Massachusetts?
Radon testing is not required in Massachusetts and there is no legislation at the state or federal level for radon. However, all homeowners are encouraged to test. If you would like more information about radon in Massachusetts, contact the Radon Assessment Unit : Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Also Know, what states have the most radon? The ten states with the highest levels of radon are:
- Alaska.
- South Dakota.
- Pennsylvania.
- Ohio.
- Washington.
- Montana.
- Kentucky.
- Idaho.
Regarding this, where is Radon normally found?
Radon is a radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the United States. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation.
Should you not buy a house with radon?
Radon can seep into any home that is in contact with the ground. It is undetectable unless you perform a radon test. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer and according to the EPA and CDC, it kills more than 20,000 annually. It is not something you want in the home you are buying.
Is radon only in the basement?
Radon is completely odorless as well as being invisible. Because it is often found unexpectedly in basements, some people mistakenly believe that it only occurs in basements. Most commonly homes with basements are suspect for having higher radon levels.How much does it cost to get rid of radon in your home?
While the cost of radon removal depends on the specifics of your home, a typical radon system costs between $800 and $2000. If it's a new home with passive piping in place it may be less.Where is Radon most commonly found?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas which may be found in indoor environments such as homes, schools, and workplaces. Radon is the most important cause of lung cancer after smoking.Can you reduce radon by opening windows?
Opening windows improves air circulation and ventilation, helping move radon out of the house and mixing radon-free outside air with indoor air. Opening basement windows helps reduce negative air pressure, diluting radon with clean outdoor air.How long does radon take to cause cancer?
If a person has been exposed to radon, 75 percent of the radon progeny in lungs will become "harmless" lead particles after 44 years. When an alpha particle damages a cell to make it cancerous, the onset of lung cancer takes a minimum of 5 years but most often 15 to 25 years, and even longer.Is radon really that dangerous?
When radon gas enters the body, it exposes the lungs to small amounts of radiation. In small quantities, experts say this is harmless. However, in persistent exposures or larger quantities, radon can damage the cells of the lining of the lungs, increasing a person's chance of developing lung cancer.Are home radon tests accurate?
Short-term radon tests do not provide an accurate estimate of the annual average concentration and are not a sound basis for radon mitigation decision. However, EPA recommends that homeowners consider fixing their home if the radon test is above 2 pCi/L and explains that radon gas is unsafe at any level.Where can I purchase a radon test kit?
You may download a radon test kit coupon and mail it in. Many radon test kits can be found online or in home improvement stores. Follow the directions on the packaging for the proper placement of the device and where to send the device after the test to find out your radon level.Should I worry about radon?
Yes you need to worry about Radon gas because Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas and it is present both outdoors and indoors. Being exposed to radon for a long period of time can lead to lung cancer. Scientists estimate that about 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year are related to radon.How do you get rid of radon gas in your home?
Install a layer of gas-permeable aggregate, such as four inches of gravel, beneath the slab or flooring system of your home if you don't have a crawlspace. Cover this layer or your crawlspace floor with plastic sheeting to stop radon gas from moving past that level and into your home.How common is radon in a home?
Radon is a common problem in homes throughout the country — as many as one in 15 U.S. homes has high levels of radon, according to the EPA. But certain geographic regions are more likely to be affected.Is my house in a radon affected area?
Outside of your home, it remains at low levels and is relatively harmless. In the indoor environment, it wreaks havoc on your lungs. Radon is a carcinogen that causes lung cancer. While increased levels of radon can occur in the soil beneath any home, there are specific areas of the country that are at a higher risk.How often should you test for radon?
Living pattern changes Whenever there is a change in your home, you should perform local radon testing. It's also recommended that you test your home for radon at least twice a year too. If your tests come back unusually high, then you should order one or two more tests so that you can compare the results.What time of year are radon levels highest?
Radon levels can vary by season, with the highest levels typically occurring during the months that we heat our homes. That means that even if your home's radon was below the EPA's suggested action level of 4.0 picocuries per liter of air during the warmer months, it could be above that level during the winter.What color is radon?
Radon dissolves in water and becomes a clear, colorless liquid below its boiling point. At even lower temperature, liquid radon freezes. As a solid, its color changes from yellow to orangish-red as the temperature is lowered even further.How much is a radon inspection?
Average Radon Inspection Costs Typical inspections average between $150 and $300. Home size and region affect the cost. Some inspectors test for radon during a general home inspection. A professional can detect whether you have a problem and the severity of it.Is it safe to live in a home with a radon mitigation system?
The EPA estimates that a radon removal system costs about $1,200 for an average house. Once installed, a follow-up radon test is done. Even in houses with extremely high radon levels, you can expect a drop to levels considered safe. 
