Radon (houses, neighborhood, purchasing)

[Valawny]

What towns or parts of South Jersey have high levels of radon? And is it basically in homes with a basement? That is what I've been reading, but I'm open to anyone who knows something about this

[DailyJournalist]

New Jersey | Radon | US EPA

[krubin]

If you're purchasing a home with a basement you should get a test done. It doesn't matter if a certain area has a higher number of homes with radon; you can be the only one with it. I had a listing that had a basement and it tested positive; no others in the neighborhood had radon. If the basement is closed up and not used it could test higher. I had an elderly woman that never went down in the basement and the levels tested much higher. Remediation runs about $1400-1500 and township permits should be obtained (by the remediation company). It's not as bad as everyone makes it sound.

[JERSEY MAN]

I was told by an inspector that if it is in a sandy area(Pinelands area) it's almost non existent. But like others have said if it has a basement I would get it checked. I think it's only about 50 bucks more on an home inspection.

[button14]

I was wondering if anyone who has a radon system already could let me know what the cost for operating it is per month? Also has anyone tested there water for radon after getting a high radon level from the home. If radon is found in the water what happens then can the water be fixed or is well no longer any good? Thanks

[jerseyspike]

Originally Posted by JERSEY MAN

I was told by an inspector that if it is in a sandy area(Pinelands area) it's almost non existent. But like others have said if it has a basement I would get it checked. I think it's only about 50 bucks more on an home inspection.

so, in houses w/o basements, it's not necessary?

[NJGOAT]

This is a pretty contentious subject around here sometimes. Basically you need to get the home tested, basement or not. Radon is a heavy gas and generally settles at the lowest point of the house. Homes with basements have the highest levels in the basement, though they can be higher on other floors as well. Homes without basements are still susceptible to radon as it can seep through the foundation into the main living area.

If your home tests high (how high seems to be the biggest debate as well as it's actual affect at certain concentrations) the tester will recommend a mitigation system. The system essentially consists of a fan and pipe that allows for the areas where radon collects to be ventilated. The cost of operating the system was quoted somewhere as being about $100 per year, so figure about $8.00 a month.

You might want to send a message to "FlyersFan" on the board he lives in NJ and is a radon tester/mitigation specialist. We disagree on some of the finer points regarding radon, but he seems like an honest businessman and would give you straight answers.