Defects ...
Environments Issues ...
Radon Radon is a gas that results from the natural decay of uranium and
other radioactive materials within the soil.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that it’s
the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
Radon cannot be detected by the senses, and its existence can only be
determined by sophisticated instruments.
Radon gas seeps through any access point into a home.
Common entry points are cracks in the foundation as well as
poorly sealed pipes and drains.
The gas may settle in areas, allowing its concentration to build up
to dangerous levels. The seepage often increases when the
ground is wet and the gas cannot easily escape through the soil
to be dispersed into the atmosphere.  Pretty much all homes have some radon present, it can be found in all
fifty states.
Although some areas are more susceptible than others as shown on the
EPA Map of Radon Zones for Pennsylvania, all
homes should be tested.
These tests can determine if the level present is higher than what is
considered safe.
Passive testing is the most common form used today.
Devices are left in the lowest level of the home that is usually
occupied, often the basement. These devices collect samples
over a period of time, which are then analyzed.  While there are no safe levels of radon, the EPA recommends action be
taken if a reading of 4.0 pico curies per liter of air (pCi/L) or
greater.
Luckily, if higher concentrations of radon are found in your home,
it is usually easy to remediate.
Since radon is only a problem when it is concentrated in high volume,
improving the ventilation in an area is often sufficient to bring levels
down to safe levels.
Alternatively, it may be necessary to limit the amount of radon
getting into the home by sealing the access points.
Two good sources for additional information on the potential risks
associated with radon exposure are the EPA and the Pennsylvania
Department of Enviormental Protection (DEP).
The DEP Publishes the
Pennsylvania Citizen's Guide to Radon, a 17 page
brochure explaining radon sources and remediation.
The
EPA website section on radon provides
detailed information on a wide range of radon related topics. Additional
Environmental Issues:
Asbestos |
Lead |
Mold |
Water Quality Related topics:
Common Defects |
Pest Control
Issues | 
