Reno Radon: Desert Homes Hiding Deadly Lung Harm?
By Franklin Everett ShawImagine breathing air laced with a silent killer, right in your own home. It’s not a horror movie plot, but a real threat for many Reno homeowners: radon. This invisible, odorless gas, a byproduct of uranium decay in the soil, can seep into your house and increase your risk of lung cancer. But don’t panic! You can take control. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to test for radon, understand your results in the context of Reno’s geology, and implement effective mitigation strategies, empowering you to protect your family’s health.
Radon is a serious issue, especially in Nevada. The state’s geology, rich in granite and volcanic rock, contributes to higher-than-average radon levels in many areas. Reno, nestled in the Truckee Meadows, is no exception.
Testing is the only way to know if you have a radon problem. You can’t see, smell, or taste it.
There are two main types of radon tests: short-term and long-term. Short-term tests, lasting from 2 to 7 days, provide a quick snapshot of radon levels. Long-term tests, conducted over 90 days or more, offer a more accurate representation of your home’s average radon concentration.
For a quick initial assessment, a short-term test is a good starting point. If the results are close to or above the EPA’s action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), a long-term test is recommended to confirm the findings.
You can purchase DIY radon test kits at most hardware stores or online retailers. These kits typically include a collection device that you place in your home for the specified duration, then mail to a lab for analysis.
When choosing a test kit, make sure it’s certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB). This ensures the lab is qualified and the results are reliable.
Follow the instructions in the test kit carefully. Placement is crucial.
Place the test kit in the lowest livable area of your home. This is typically the basement, but if you have a slab-on-grade foundation, it would be the first floor.
Avoid placing the test kit in areas with drafts, high humidity, or near exterior walls. Keep it away from kitchens and bathrooms.
Close windows and doors 12 hours before starting the test and keep them closed during the testing period. This will help ensure accurate results.
Once you receive your radon test results, it’s important to understand what they mean. The EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon levels if they are at or above 4 pCi/L.
Even levels below 4 pCi/L pose some risk, and you may want to consider mitigation to lower them further. The lower the radon level, the lower your risk of lung cancer.
Nevada’s geology plays a significant role in radon levels. The granite bedrock and volcanic soils common in the Reno area naturally contain uranium, which decays into radon.
Homes built on or near these geological formations are more likely to have elevated radon levels. This is why testing is so important, regardless of your home’s age or construction type.
If your radon test results are above 4 pCi/L, don’t panic. There are several mitigation strategies you can implement to reduce radon levels in your home.
One common method is soil depressurization. This involves installing a vent pipe and fan to draw radon gas from beneath the foundation and vent it safely outside.
For homes with slab-on-grade foundations, sealing cracks and openings in the foundation can help prevent radon from entering. This is a relatively inexpensive DIY option.
Increasing ventilation in your home can also help reduce radon levels. Opening windows and using fans can improve air circulation and dilute radon concentrations.
However, ventilation alone is usually not sufficient to reduce radon levels below the action level. It’s best used in conjunction with other mitigation methods.
If you have a well, it’s also important to test your well water for radon. Radon can dissolve in groundwater and be released into the air when you use the water.
The Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health offers resources and information on testing well water for radon. Contact them for guidance on testing procedures and interpreting results.
For well water, aeration systems are typically used to remove radon. These systems bubble air through the water, allowing the radon gas to escape.
While some radon mitigation strategies can be implemented as DIY projects, it’s often best to hire a qualified radon mitigation professional. They have the expertise and equipment to properly assess your home and design an effective mitigation system.
Look for a mitigation professional certified by the NRPP or the NRSB. These certifications ensure they have met specific training and experience requirements.
A professional can also help you determine the most cost-effective mitigation strategy for your home. They can assess factors such as your home’s foundation type, soil conditions, and ventilation system.
Common mistakes homeowners make when testing for radon include improper placement of the test kit, failing to close windows and doors, and using uncertified test kits. Avoid these pitfalls by carefully following the instructions and choosing a reputable testing company.
Another mistake is delaying mitigation after receiving high radon test results. Radon exposure is a cumulative risk, so the sooner you take action, the better.
The cost of radon mitigation can vary depending on the method used and the size of your home. Soil depressurization systems typically range from $800 to $2500.
Sealing cracks and openings in the foundation can cost a few hundred dollars for DIY projects, or several thousand dollars if you hire a professional. Well water aeration systems can range from $1000 to $4000.
While radon mitigation can be an investment, it’s a worthwhile one for protecting your family’s health. Consider it a preventative measure against lung cancer.
In Reno, homes with basements are particularly susceptible to radon intrusion. The stack effect, where warm air rises and creates a vacuum in the basement, can draw radon gas from the soil.
Slab-on-grade homes can also have elevated radon levels, especially if there are cracks or openings in the foundation. Proper sealing and ventilation are crucial in these homes.
Even new homes can have radon problems. Radon can enter through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, and other openings.
Radon-resistant new construction (RRNC) techniques can help prevent radon from entering new homes. These techniques include installing a vapor barrier, sealing cracks, and providing a vent pipe.
If you’re building a new home in Reno, consider incorporating RRNC techniques to protect your family from radon exposure. It’s much easier and less expensive to install these features during construction than to retrofit them later.
Radon is a serious health hazard, but it’s one you can control. By testing your home for radon, understanding your results, and implementing effective mitigation strategies, you can protect your family’s health and breathe easier in your Reno home. Don’t delay – take action today!