Northeast Systems Radon & Water LLC.
Making breathing Safer!
- What is Radon
- How long should test for Radon?
- How much will cost to run a Radon system?
- Should I have my water tested?
- What types of waterborne Radon system are Offered?
- Why do Radon testers and mitigators needs to be certified?
- Radon health risk information.
What is Radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the country. It is produced as a by-product of the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water, and so eventually gets into the air your breathe. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the USA according to the EPA, claiming an average of 20,000 lives each year. It cause more deaths than drownings, fires, and airline crashes combined.
How long should I test for? (Top Page)
The US EPA protocols require that all short-term tests be conducted for a minimum of 48 hours. During the tests, all windows and doors should be kept closed and ventilation and exhaust fans should be turned off.
If a fan-based ventilation system is used, the cost to electricity run a radon system will be an average of $70 per year. It is very important to conduct a pressure field extension test to insure proper fan installation. Failed to do so can result in, short fan life, poor radon reduction, and/or high energy cost. A common radon mitigation system can be installed for $800 to $2000 in most houses.
The primary source of radon in homes is from the underlying soil and bedrock. However, an additional source could be in the well water supplied to the house by a private well or a small community water system.
If your home or the home you are considering buying has been found to have radon in air concentrations of 4 pico curies per liter (pCi/L), or greater, (EPA "Action Level") you may want to consider having the water tested. We recommend testing both air and water at the same time to determine if radon is present.
If your home or the home you are considering buying has been found to have radon in air concentrations of 4 pico curies per liter (pCi/L), or greater, (EPA "Action Level") you may want to consider having the water tested. We recommend testing both air and water at the same time to determine if radon is present.
Radon in water can be effectively reduced using one of two methods: aeration treatment or granular activated carbon filters. Aeration works by aerating the water or mixing it with air and then venting the radon gas outside to the roof line (Aeration Systems are 99%+effective). Granular activated charcoal systems filter the water through a charcoal bed. The radon is retained in the charcoal and the water leaves the charcoal tank relatively free of radon. (Carbon Tanks Are 85% effective). The charcoal needs to be replaced on a annual basis. In both of these treatment methods, it is important to treat the water at point of entry, for instance, trying to treat the water at the kitchen sink would not be effective in reducing the amount of radon that enters the home. It is important to properly maintain home water treatment systems according to manufacturer's recommendations, failure to do so can lead to other water contaminations problems. Aerations systems cost approximately $3,000 - $4,000. Charcoal systems cost approximately $1,000 - $1,500.
Radon testers and mitigators (radon reduction contractors) are licensed and regulated in Connecticut. However, there are two national organizations that offer radon measurement and mitigation certification, and if you choose to hire a professional to assist you, you are encouraged to hire an individual or company certified by one of these organizations.
Radon Health Risk Information? (Top Page)
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, after smoking. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the Surgeon General Strongly recommend that further action be taken when the home's radon test results are 4.0 pCi/L or greater. The national average indoor radon level is about 1.4 pCi/L. The higher the home's radon level, the greater the health risk to you and your family. Reducing your radon levels can be done easily, effectively and fairly inexpensively. Even homes with very high radon levels can be reduced below 4.0 pCi/L. A copy of the USEPA's "A citizen Guide To Radon" has been provided to assist you in evaluating your test results and to provide additional information should further action be necessary.
The following can be accomplished quickly and with minimal or no expense.
Although ventilation is NOT a recommended technique for reducing radon levels in your home. It does have the potential to dilute radon levels, but its success is not reliable. In some cases, opening doors or windows can actually increase the radon level.
- Stop smoking and discourage smoking in your home. Airborne smoke particles provide an effective vehicle for attached radon decay products to enter your lungs.
- Spend less time in areas with higher concentrations of radon, such as the basement.
- Whenever practical, open all windows and turn on fans to increase the air flow into and through the house. This is especially important in the basement.
- If your home has a crawlspace beneath it, keep the vents on all sides of the house fully open all year.
Although ventilation is NOT a recommended technique for reducing radon levels in your home. It does have the potential to dilute radon levels, but its success is not reliable. In some cases, opening doors or windows can actually increase the radon level.
A cap, screen or elbow creates air friction an ice to form as the warm, moist exhaust impinges on it. Bugs are not a problem, because there's air blowing outward, typically at 20-40 cubic feet per minute. Regarding the rain, the system actually removes much more moisture than it could possibly let in.
NorthEast Systems Radon & Water LLC.,
Fernando Alvarado (Owner)
Stratford, CT 06615
Family Owned and Operated - Fully Insured
State Certified
HIC# 608704 RMT# 103891
(Office) 203-296-4269 (Cell) 203-395-9702
Fernando Alvarado (Owner)
Stratford, CT 06615
Family Owned and Operated - Fully Insured
State Certified
HIC# 608704 RMT# 103891
(Office) 203-296-4269 (Cell) 203-395-9702
