Radon Facts and Myths:

MYTH #1. My home is new so I don't have a radon problem.

Fact: This is simply not true. New homes can have just as much radon inside as an older home and sometimes even more depending on how tight the house is built.  The only way to know for sure is to test.

MYTH #2. My neighbor doesn't have high radon levels so my house won't either.

Fact: This is also not true. Your home could have twice as much, or half as much radon as your neighbors home. This depends on if your house has a crawl space how tight it is, cracks in the floor, open sump lids etc...  The only way to know for sure is to test.

MYTH #3. Radon isn't really harmful, I've lived here for 25 years and don't have any health problems.

Fact: The truth is that radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Only people that smoke have a higher risk of getting lung cancer. You will reduce the risk of lung cancer when you reduce the radon levels, even if you have lived with an elevated radon level for a long time.

Approximately 21,000 deaths in the United States and 170,000 deaths worldwide are thought to be caused by radon gas every year!

What is Radon?


Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas. You cannot see, smell or taste radon, but it may be a problem in your home. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, you're at an even higher risk for developing lung cancer. Some scientific studies of radon exposure indicate that children may be more sensitive to radon. This may be due to their higher respiration rate and their rapidly dividing cells, which may be more vulnerable to radiation damage.



What can I do to protect myself and my family from radon?

The first step is to test your home for radon, and have it fixed if it is at or above EPA's Action Level of 4 picocuries per liter. The State of Maine recommends that you consider mitigation if the levels are above 2 picocuries per liter of air. Generally, levels can be brought below 2 pCi/l fairly simply.

Radon Systems Work! 

Active radon systems work in 100% of the homes they are installed in! 

The best method for reducing radon in your home will depend on how radon enters your home and the design of your home. The most effective method is typically active soil depressurization (ASD).  This simply creates a vacuum underneath the home, directing the radon-laden gasses to the atmosphere.  These systems are simple and don't require major changes to your home. Call 852-7020, or E-MAIL me for more information.  Your family is worth it!


Don't Panic!


We provide a free site evaluation to show you how radon levels in your home can be reduced. Typically, a mitigation system can be installed in less than a day!  All electrical work is completed by a licensed Master Electrician, which is required in Maine. Very few other companies in Maine have a licensed electrician on staff.



People who have private wells should have us test their well water to ensure that waterborne radon levels are below the recommended action levels.  We also install and service water radon mitigation systems.

Testing is inexpensive, mitigation is easy and affordable.

Call today for a free site evaluation! 207-852-7020







For Further Information


State Radon Contacts - Up-to-date phone information about how to contact your state radon office is available at www.epa.gov/iaq/whereyoulive.html just click on your state.


www.radon.com has lots of great information about radon.


www.cansar.org Cancer Survivors Against Radon


http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/eng/rad/Radon/hp_radon.htm State of Maine radon homepage


The EPA's radon website - www.epa.gov/radon - includes links to publications, hotlines, private proficiency programs and more.


Regional and State Offices - Check out www.epa.gov/iaq/whereyoulive.html for a listing of your local contact information just click on your state.



Publications - Most EPA radon publications are available free, for information on how to order.



Hotlines


Consumers may call the toll-free number 1-800-438-4318 (local number in the Washington DC Area - (703) 356-4020) to speak to an information specialist, Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm eastern time. After hours, consumers may leave a voice message, or you may make inquiries by fax (703) 356-5386 or via e-mail: iaqinfo@aol.com


1-800-SOS-RADON (767-7236) - Operated by the National Safety Council in partnership with EPA. Order radon test kits by phone or on-line).


1-800-55RADON (557-2366) - Operated by the National Safety Council in partnership with EPA. Get a live operator who can help you with your radon questions.






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