Radon in the air in Ridgefield, CT

This is the AA-MSA Inspection blog (www.aa-msa.com). AA-MSA Inspector's write about their actual building inspection and environmental testing experiences. This blog post discusses elevated levels of deadly Radon gas that entered the living space through cracks in the basement floor.

So why should we be worried about radon in our homes? You can not see or smell radon gas as it seeps into your basement and home from the earth below. This radioactive gas causes damage to our cells deep within the lungs. Unlike carbon monoxide gas which has defined symptoms from increasing amounts of exposure similar to the flu. Radon gas exposure has no early discernible symptoms. An associate of mine told me of friend who was told by his doctor at his yearly exam that he should test for radon gas. Why?... because it's good preventive medicine. The trouble with radon is that it causes lung cancer and its symptoms are usually not evident until it's well developed. The level of Radon gas in this home was 23pCi/L or nearly 4 times the acceptable EPA action level of 4pCi/L. The former owner of his home had just died of lung cancer. For more details, click the link:

http://www.ehow.com/about_4672754_symptoms-radon-poisoning.html

If you are wondering about the level of Radon gas in your home or if you have never had your home tested for Radon in the winter, call AA-MSA, Inc., and we'll arrange an inexpensive test for you, 1-800-888-8107. Visit us on the web at www.aa-msa.com.

Radon in Weston, Connecticut

Welcome to AA_MSA's blog (www.aa-msa.com)where our licensed inspectors share true inspection experiences with you. One such experience was a home in Weston, Connecticut where the Radon level was 20.8 pCi/L which is far above the EPA's cutoff of 4.0 pCi/L.

According to the EPA, when indoor Radon levels are that high, the next step is to eliminate areas in the structure where the deadly Radon gas may be seeping into the house. Professionals like AA-MSA understand home construction and can identify these areas and prevent further indoor emissions of the deadly cancer causing gas by(1) sealing areas where the gas is entering the basement and then; (2) re-testing the basement; (3) testing the first floor living space and; (4) sampling any well water used domestically for Radon in Water; (5) A finding of elivated levels of Radon in water would lead to further water sampling and lab analysis. If you want to know the level of Radon gas in your home, call the professionals at AA-MSA O-1-800-888-8107 ext 302/303. To see what others are saying about AA-MSA, click this link: www.aa-msa.com/testimonials.html

Radon (usually in the form of the Radon-222 isotope) is a colorless and odorless radioactive gas formed from radioactive decay. The most common geologic source of radon derives from the decay of uranium. Radon is commonly found at low levels in widely dispersed crustal formations, soil, and water samples. To some extent, radon can be detected throughout the United States. Specific geologic formations, however, frequently present elevated concentration of radon that may pose a significant health risk. The Surgeon General of the United States and the Environmental Protection Agency identify radon exposure as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Cancer risk rates are based upon magnitude and duration of exposure.

Produced underground, radon moves toward the surface and eventually diffuses into the atmosphere or in groundwater. Because radon has a half-life of approximately four days, half of any size sample deteriorates during that time. Regardless, because radon can be continually supplied, dangerous levels can accumulate in poorly ventilated spaces (e.g., basements, underneath homes, buildings, etc.). Moreover, the deterioration of radon produces alpha particle radiation and radioactive decay products that can exhibit high surface adherence to dust particles.

For further information click on these links:
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/radon/proposal.html
http://www.epa.gov/radon/
http://www.aa-msa.com/testimonials.html