Community Chat

[SilleeMee]

Where I live over 50% of the houses here test positive for radon.

The Map of Radon Zones shows where high radon levels are found throughout the United States, but it should not be used to determine if individual homes need to be tested. No matter where you live, test your home for radon — it’s easy and inexpensive. Fix your home if your radon level is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher (Zone 1). Consider fixing if your level is between 2 and 4 pCi/L (Zone 2). Source: EPA.gov.

[on the bay]

You know, I'm remembering that after having the radon "fixed" they also put in a kind of meter to let us know if the radon ever became above acceptable and safe levels.

So I don't know if you would need an inspection every 3 years with that? Unless they checked the actual fix and device every so often to make sure it was accurate.

At any rate, it definitely needs a certified, licensed, insured radon specialist.

[skatting44]

@PINKdogWOOD 

  In my area it's been known to be prominent  for those with basements. Do you have any windows or is it a walk out basement ?  Having some ventilation  such as windows or a walk out basement helps .

[Icegoddess]

I think it is mostly tied to lung cancer.  

[Venezia]

@PINKdogWOOD - Radon testing is supposed to be done in the lowest living area.  I presume you don't live in the basement or spend a large proportion of your time there?

Don't let your friend (well-meaning, I'm sure) freak you out over this until you have a proper test done.

Get the test done and go from there.  And please don't start imagining that your beloved pets and husband died because of something preventable.  You can't ever know that.  Many things cause cancer.

Try to stay calm and take affirmative action moving forward.

[shoekitty]

@SilleeMee   is that map current!? I probably am not reading it well. I   Was wondering, as current ratings and maps (2025) place Alaska as worse in nation, and on map it isn't. Also, as an aside  Could it be older homes, or the rock that homes are built on that cause more radon. Look s like it's higher back east, Midwest. 
Here are lowest states in order

hawaii (0) 

louisiana

mississippi

florida

arizona

texas

California

georgia 

deleware

soCarolina (2.4)

[Skyegirl21]

Yup, I know radon in my area, rocky area in CT. 
If you have sold or bought a house in the last 20ish yrs, or lately, in some areas of the country, you would know about it- 

Radon is a gas produced by rock, so essentially it's in basements,  and it's not healthy becaue its associated with radioactivity.

When you sell or buy a house these days in areas where it's produced, and there are basements, they test for it and require you to install ventilation for it, and maybe drinking water purification systems too- 

[SilleeMee]

@shoekitty 

The EPA radon map changes constantly. New data comes in as testing is done and also as new building practices evolve. As stated below that map, it's better to just test for radon and not rely on that map. The map is simply a visual to show just how prevalent radon is across the nation.

[shoesnbags]

We have no radon and no basements either around here.  It's a good thing, since we have enough to worry about with hurricanes. My son and DIL have a house in southern Michigan with a finished basement and they have mentioned doing radon testing and remediation.  

[Desertdi]

And, JUST THINK --  I grew up worrying about "THE BOMB"...