Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Radon is a radioactive gas. It tends to concentrate in enclosed spaces like underground mines or houses. Radon is one of the leading causes of lung cancer, after smoking. Radon gas is by far the most important source of ionizing radiation among gases of natural origin.
Research & Writing Assignment:
When radon is inhaled, densely ionizing alpha particles can interact with biological tissue in the lungs, leading to DNA damage. Radon is a natural gas produced by the radioactive decay of radium. There’s indirect evidence that radon may be an important cause of lung cancer.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This pressure gauge was attached to one of the interior ventilation pipes. It verifies the operation of the fan and ventilation. It does not measure any levels of radon, rather the vacuum pressure of the radon ventilation process. This gauge was installed before the fan was switched on. When the level of liquid is higher on one side than it is on the other, this is a sign the fan is on and functioning properly. If the levels of liquid are similar, that means the fan is off or not operating as it should.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I took this class for CE credits to re-apply for a radon licensed. The course was well designed and covered more information than the class I took to obtain my license. I gained a lot of knowledge and am glad I choose to take the this course.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Most cracks in concrete should be monitored regardless of the concern for radon gas entering the home. Moisture or gases can enter through these cracks in the slab floor and thus, it is important to seal these whenever found in the basement wall or slab floor.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Building a new home is the most cost effective time to employ a radon mitigation system. The materials are the same however, the effort to put in that system are greatly reduced since the initial construction is the time to place these systems or at least rough them in.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Picture attached is a system installed in a sump pit with an airtight sump pump lid. It has been sealed shut and a four inch diameter pipe is being used to vent gas. The manometer attached to the pipe showed that the system was operational.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Radon cannot be smelled or tasted. The Surgeon General of the United States has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. Nearly one out of every 15 homes in the United States is estimated to have an elevated radon level (4 pCi/L or more).
Hi!
Looking forward to getting my Radon Certification. Wish me success!
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The location for placement of the radon canisters is very important. Test for radon in each of the lowest structural areas of the home. If the house has one or more foundation types, a test should be placed in or above each area. For example, if a home has a basement, test in the basement if anyone spends at least 7 hours a week in the basement. If the home has a crawl space, place a radon detector in the room above the crawl space. If the house has a cement floor, place a radon detector in any room. Avoid placing the radon canisters in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room.
Research & Writing Assignment:
What are the benefits of radon mitigation?
The primary benefit is reducing the risk of developing lung cancer. Standard radon reduction systems are usually effective within 24 hours and maintain low levels as long as the fan is operating. Another potential benefit of these systems is reduced infiltration of moist soil air with the radon, which may reduce the humidity level in the basement of the home. Homeowners should consider correcting a radon problem before making final preparations to sell a home. This often provides more time to address the problem and find the most cost-effective solution.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Radon is a colorless oderloss has that has been proven to cause lung cancer. It is currently the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer after cigferette smoking. If you have never tested or plan on buying a new home the epa recommends to have a radon test done and if levels are above 4 picocuries per liter are found a radon mitigation system should be installed.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
When assessing moisture levels in a material you should start by getting a baseline reading from a known dry sample. Your dry sample should be no larger difference then 5% and if it is it indicates a elevated moisture reading which would indicate further evaluation from a licensed professional.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In this image is the vacuum gauge used on radon systems to indicate that there is suction in the system. It does not indicate the level of radon in the home. Many people are not aware of this and anytime a home has a system, active or passive, I always instruct them on what they have, the individual components and how they work, and what they do not have in case of passive systems. Many people believe that if a home has a passive system that the radon level is low. I always advise them that they need to test in order to make that determination.
When they schedule an inspection I ask if they want a radon test and some times they tell me they do not need one because it has a system already installed. Then when I arrive and see it is a passive system I have to suspect they were advised by someone not in the know about radon systems.
I recently had a seller state they do not believe in radon and that it is a scam. They stated that even the realtor where they were moving to claimed the same thing. There is a lot of false info out there and I enjoy educating people on this. Of course, I will not argue with people about this as everyone is entitled to be ignorant.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Not sure why I have to post this a second time.
In this image is the vacuum gauge used on radon systems to indicate that there is suction in the system. It does not indicate the level of radon in the home. Many people are not aware of this and anytime a home has a system, active or passive, I always instruct them on what they have, the individual components and how they work, and what they do not have in case of passive systems. Many people believe that if a home has a passive system that the radon level is low. I always advise them that they need to test in order to make that determination.
When they schedule an inspection I ask if they want a radon test and some times they tell me they do not need one because it has a system already installed. Then when I arrive and see it is a passive system I have to suspect they were advised by someone not in the know about radon systems.
I recently had a seller state they do not believe in radon and that it is a scam. They stated that even the realtor where they were moving to claimed the same thing. There is a lot of false info out there and I enjoy educating people on this. Of course, I will not argue with people about this as everyone is entitled to be ignorant.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of the return air vent and filter for the cooling system. The filter appears dirty and needs to be changed. This may be an indicator of a system not well-maintained. At a minimum, as an Inspector, I would suggest the filter be changed and have the system cleaned.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the article, “Attic Pull-Down Ladders” and observed several points of concern. While these ladders add to convenience for accessing the attic, they come with many potential safety issues. First of all, most of the time they are installed by the homeowner, meaning, that the installation is often less than professional. Some times, the wrong installation hardware is used, such as, drywall screws, and even structural trusses are cut to accommodate the staircase. Another significant problem is that if installed in a garage, it compromises a needed fire barrier. Pull-down ladders should only be installed by professional familiar with the proper installation requirements and safety concerns.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Radon measurements can be performed using a number of different measurement devises. In the attached picture (JPG) you will find a complete read out report of the radon measurement that I have taken in my own home using a continuous reading monitor.
This test was performed over a 48 hour period, which we find standard in our area of the Country for real estate base radon measuring time period in home sale transactions. In this report we read that the average report radon measured value was at 0.2 pCi/L. (An hourly breakdown of the pCi/L is available in the report as well).
Based on the results of the report, the home us under the EPA’s “action level” of 4 pCi/L, as well as the World Health Organizations “action level” as well.
Radon mitigation would not necessary be recommended on this property, based this tests findings.
Research & Writing Assignment:
For this Essay I have selected the image titled “incidence of radon related lung cancer internachi” from the gallery of images.
The bar chart here shows a comparison of Annual U.S. Cancer Deaths each year and the causes of those deaths.
Lung Cancer (from Radon related exposure) shows that over 20,000 deaths occur each year in the U.S. When comparing that number to another type of cancer death toll number, such as Oral, which is graphed at nearly 7,000 deaths per year, we have a greater understanding of the number of deaths that radon related lung cancer creates over other forms of cancer.
Putting a death toll on the issue may help awareness of the severity of the situation, and need to increase awareness and preventative measures to reduce this number. Lung cancer (radon related) can be reduce, in great volumes by making changes to our living/working environments.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The only bathroom is located in the basement, below ground level, with only a ground level window, approx 5’8" from the floor of the room.
If the water has excessive radon, there is nowhere for the gas to go if released out of the water. I recommend contacting a certified radon inspector to perform tests throughout the basement living spaces.
