Damn you Radon!! (Highlands Ranch: credit, house, buyer)

[ayoitzrimz]

So we just bought a house. Original short term test came in at 4.9.

Seller agreed to give us credit at closing for a radon mitigation system and we had a bid that we accepted. Running the test now, came back at 3.3... still too high for my liking.

We installed a stronger fan, and did another test - now only came down to 3.1

Just wondering what other people would do: would you work to lower it further ? Would you leave a window open and leave it alone? Is 3.1 an acceptable level ?

[davebarnes]

You are being unreasonable.
EPA says 4 pico curies per liter.

[alliern]

I wouldn't lose sleep over a 3.1 reading. That's perfectly acceptable.

[Littlekw]

Originally Posted by alliern

I wouldn't lose sleep over a 3.1 reading. That's perfectly acceptable.

Agreed. The EPA tends to err on the side of caution when determining safe levels of potentially dangerous gases. 3.1 is reasonable. Plus, radon is common all over Colorado and the Interior West. We're a region of higher natural levels of radioactivity thus the reason the majority of uranium mines are found in the area. Radon is simply the elemental product from decaying uranium or thorium and is likely to be found in much of Colorado. Your level is nothing to get stressed about.

[Cnynrat]

I would not worry at all. In fact, I am not convinced the risk is anywhere near what it's cracked up to be. Read this.

From that site:

To be clear: There are NO valid studies that have conclusively demonstrated that typical residential exposures to radon increase the risk of cancer at all. In fact, all of the valid studies performed thus far show one of two things: 1) No risk and/or 2) a decreasing risk of cancer. This view is reflected in a position statement issued by the Health Physics Society, the premier Health Physics organization in the US. According to the position statement issued by the Health Physics Society1a, for doses below 100 mSv (10 rem)

“…risks of health effects are either too small to be observed or are non-existent."

Regardless whether you accept the view that the risk is exaggerated, I would certainly be comfortable at your level which is below the EPA recommended maximum.

Dave

[2bindenver]

Radon Frequently Asked Questions - Health Canada

[Winter01]

The basement of our house came back with readings in the 3's both times we tested it. We didn't have the seller's install a radon fan. I'm still on the fence about whether or not we will at some point. I have also heard that the level is cut in half with each floor you go up in your house. So if the basement is 3.4 the main level would be 1.7, etc. Not sure if that is true or not. We did have some friends in Highlands Ranch with a new build and they had a basement reading over 10. I would definitely be concerned about that!

[davebarnes]

Originally Posted by Winter01

install a radon fan. I'm still on the fence about whether or not we will at some point. !

You should.
Your buyer will insist upon it.
People panic about everything.

[VileTat]

The thing about radiation is it only takes 1 little radiation particle flying through your body, to mutate the dna in one tiny cell, to ultimately lead to cancer down the road. Even x-rays at the dentist increase your risk, not to mention the TSA body scanners. Sure it is a small increase, but with such big consequences why gamble (until all forms of cancer are curable soon enough I suppose)

[Mike from back east]

For more info, see our statewide thread on Radon Gas.