This blog was written and provided by Debi Wilson, Real Estate Broker ERA Freeman & Associates:
What is Radon gas? Radon is a radioactive gas found in the ground that does not have color, odor or taste. The gas is released due to the decay of Uranium in rocks, soil and water over time. Though low levels of the gas can be traced in outdoor air, radon concentrates in buildings. Entering through crawl spaces, cracks in basement concrete and holes around pipes or conduits, radon finds a way inside and can grow into dangerous levels.
Radon and the Pacific Northwest; Increased radon levels in Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington are attributed largely to the deposition of rocks and soils brought by the Missoula floods thousands of years ago. These waters carried Granite debris and other soils into the Columbia River Gorge and Willamette Valley. That very same Granite contains Uranium, which breaks down into Radon gas and causes the problems we see today. It is estimated that at least 1 in 7 homes in the Portland/Vancouver Metro area have elevated Radon levels. High levels of Radon have been found in communities from Clark County to Salem Oregon.
Why is Radon dangerous? When inhaled, the alpha particles of Radon can attach themselves to the lung lining and irritate and occasionally mutate cells. This process can lead to lung cancer. Health agencies consider Radon gas, after cigarette smoking to be the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. According to the National Academy of Sciences, Radon is responsible for an estimated 22,000 preventable ling cancer deaths per year in the US. In comparison, drunk driving is responsible for 13,000 deaths per year in the US.
Myth; Your neighbor tested low in Radon gas so your home should too.
Fact; Not so, each home is different as it sits on the earth and how gasses can enter the structure and stay inside.
Testing is the only way to find out the levels in our homes.
OK so, now we know we should test - how, where? www.sosradon.org to find all the answers.
I have a Radon risk map of zip codes. For example 97206 is at high risk and 97266 is at a low risk. You are more than welcome to e-mail me with your zip code to find out if you are in a “hot spot”. I’ll be happy to look it up for you.
Levels; 4pCi.L is considered high and 2.7pCi/L is acceptable. A home in Northeast Portland tested at 17 then again a month later at 21.
Some areas; Alameda Ridge seems to test at a high level. Hillsboro has tested low.
How do you fix it? I am currently compiling a list of recommended mitigation experts. For now I have two companies that will mitigate Radon in your home.
Cascade Radon Inc 503-421-4813. Ecotech 503-493-1043
I look forward to assisting you or someone you know with Real Estate sales or purchases
Debi Wilson
Real Estate Sales/Broker
ERA Freeman & Associates
503-318-2535 Direct
503-665-3144 Office