Radon in Pittsburgh: Risks, Testing, and Mitigation for Homeowners

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is colorless, tasteless, and odorless. It forms when uranium in the soil and rock breaks down, and it can enter homes through cracks and openings in the foundation. As a home inspector in the Pittsburgh area, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for homeowners to be aware of radon risks and take necessary precautions. In this blog post, I’ll discuss the risks of radon exposure, explain how to test for radon in your home and offer suggestions for mitigating radon levels if necessary.

Risks of Radon Exposure

Long-term exposure to high levels of radon can lead to serious health problems. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after smoking. It’s estimated that about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year are radon-related. The risk is even higher for smokers, who are more susceptible to the effects of radon exposure.

Testing for Radon in Your Pittsburgh Area Home

The only way to know if your home has elevated radon levels is to test for it. Testing is simple and relatively inexpensive. You can purchase a do-it-yourself radon test kit at most hardware stores or online. Alternatively, you can hire a professional radon tester to conduct the test for you.

Short-term tests take anywhere from 2 to 90 days, while long-term tests last for 3 months or longer. Long-term tests provide a more accurate assessment of your home’s average radon level, as radon levels can vary from day to day and season to season.

It’s important to follow the testing instructions carefully and place the test kit in the lowest living area of your home. The EPA recommends that if your test results show radon levels at 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher, you should take action to reduce your home’s radon levels.

Mitigating Radon Levels in Your Home

If your radon test results indicate that your home has elevated radon levels, don’t panic. There are several mitigation strategies you can use to reduce radon levels and protect your family’s health. Some of the most common techniques include:

1. Active Soil Depressurization (ASD): This is the most common and effective method for reducing radon levels in homes. It involves installing a vent pipe and fan system to draw radon gas from the soil beneath your home and exhaust it outside.
2. Sealing and Caulking: Sealing cracks and openings in your home’s foundation can help reduce the amount of radon entering your home. This method should be used in conjunction with other mitigation techniques, as sealing alone is not usually sufficient to lower radon levels significantly.
3. Increasing Ventilation: Improving your home’s ventilation can help dilute indoor radon levels. Installing a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) can both increase ventilation and maintain energy efficiency.
4. Sump Hole Depressurization: If your home has a sump pump, a vent pipe and fan system can be installed to draw radon gas from the sump hole and release it outside.

As a home inspector in the Pittsburgh area, I’ve seen the importance of radon testing and mitigation firsthand. By understanding the risks, testing your home, and taking appropriate action when necessary, you can protect your family from the dangers of radon exposure. If you have any concerns about radon in your home or are planning to buy or sell a property in the Pittsburgh area, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for guidance and support.