What is Radon?
Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas emitted from uranium, a naturally occurring mineral in rocks and soil. Normally, radon rises up through the soil and dissipates in the air outside. Radon becomes a concern, however, when it seeps through openings such as cracks, loose fitting pipes, sump pits, dirt floors, slab joints or block walls and accumulates in the home.
Greenwich Home Inspectors offer Radon gas testing to all of our clientele. are licensed by the State of Connecticut. The CT Post completed and intensive investigation regarding the potential of Radon gas exposure in Connecticut and published these results:
“Radon testing is not always a priority, but in the state of Connecticut, 1 in 3 homes have elevated radon levels. Across the rest of the U.S., that number is only about 1 in 15 homes. Depending on which Connecticut city you live in, you may be at a dramatically elevated risk for exposure to this cancer-causing gas.
Connecticut Zones With the Highest Radon Risks
To start, it’s important to know why many of the Connecticut cities that have higher levels of radon seem to be located together. According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, the four southernmost Connecticut counties have the highest risk for excessive radon (greater than 4 pCi/L). These counties include Middlesex, New Haven, Fairfield, and New London.
Brookfield
The town of Brookfield notes that several areas within its city limits have shown higher-than-normal levels of radon. With its location in Fairfield County, which was named a Radon Zone 1, it’s not surprising that this location features elevated levels of this gas. Like other cities with elevated radon levels, the city and state health departments have partnered to offer free testing kits to residents. However, it’s never a bad idea to play it safe and call in the professionals to conduct a thorough radon test on your home.
Sherman
With its location nearby Brookfield, it should come as little surprise that this city has also shown elevated levels of radon gas. These higher radon levels have been spotted in water tested from public-utility wells, placing Sherman on the list of cities that may pose an exposure risk. As a city located in Fairfield County, this city has an inherently higher risk of radon gas exposure due to its EPA rating of being a Radon Zone 1.
Greenwich
Another Fairfield County community with elevated concentrations of radon is Greenwich. Due to the underlying geology of this coastal city, there is a strong chance that the presence of this gas may be an issue for residents. The Department of Health noted that the average indoor level of radon in Greenwich was measured at 4.5 pCi/L or more. This is above the EPA’s threshold of 4.0 pCi/L. In fact, the same report also explains that radon levels in some sources of water in the city were found to be above 5,000 pCi/L, which is also above the state’s limits.
Stratford
Stratford is yet another Fairfield County town know to exhibit elevated radon levels. In fact, the New Haven Register explains that the high levels even pushed the town’s Health Department to begin marketing a health campaign aimed at encouraging residents to test their homes for this dangerous gas. The Town Health Director explains that the City of Stratford’s “geography and rock formations” make it one of the towns that have a higher percentage of homes with elevated radon levels.
The Risks Associated with Radon Exposure
The EPA released a study which concluded that breathing radon over time increases your risk of lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Nationally, the EPA estimates that about 21,000 people die each year from radon-related lung cancer. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths.
Our Professional Radon Gas Testing
The Greenwich Home Inspections Certified Radon Measurement Technicians Will Assess The Property Layout Then Install A Continuous Radon Monitor Which Is An Active Test Device That Will Precisely Test Radon Gas Levels During The Test Period. Radon Test Is Conducted During “Closed Building” Conditions In Order To Accurately Capture Radon Levels. The Continuous Radon Monitor Equipment Can Yield Precise Results In As Little As 48 Hours.
Call us and schedule your home inspections today.