Another Radon Question (house, construction, contractor)

[mswmiz77]

I'm a little confused about the radon issue. Even if you have the system to clean out your house, wouldn't the radon be outside in the yard, out in the air? Why would it be isolated to just the house? Having 2 small children, the idea of radon concerns me.

If anyone could clear this up for me, I'd appreciate it!

Thanks!

[frogandtoad]

From the EPA website:

Radon is a radioactive gas. It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. Any home may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.

Radon from soil gas is the main cause of radon problems. Sometimes radon enters the home through well water (see "Radon in Water" below). In a small number of homes, the building materials can give off radon, too. However, building materials rarely cause radon problems by themselves.

RADON GETS IN THROUGH:
Cracks in solid floors
Construction joints
Cracks in walls
Gaps in suspended floors
Gaps around service pipes
Cavities inside walls
The water supply

The cost of reducing radon in your home depends on how your home was built and the extent of the radon problem. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs. The average house costs about $1,200 for a contractor to fix, although this can range from about $800 to about $2,500. The cost is much less if a passive system was installed during construction.

[VickiR]

Radon IS all around us but it gets trapped in the house if the house is airtight and the radon is coming from the soil below the house.

In Wake County, we are finding more and more pockets of radon and I think that is simply because we are checking for it more often.

We got bored with the mold issue and had to have something else to deal with!!!

Vicki