I Live in the Nashville Tennessee Area; Do I Need A Radon Test for My Home?

Question:

I live in Nashville and was curious if I’d need radon testing for my home? Also, could you explain what Radon is in plain ENGLISH?

Answer:

The answer is YES.

According the EPA, Radon is responsible for over 20,000 deaths a year in the United States.  The EPA has found that Radon readings of four pCi/L and above are harmful to our health.  The EPA has determined that most of Middle Tennessee is in a level one zone (which is the highest potential for harmful exposure ).    A short term tests takes  48 to 72 hours.  You can normally get the results the same day the test is completed. 

Radon is a radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the United States. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Radon can also enter your home through well water. Your home can trap radon inside.

Any home can have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. In fact, you and your family are most likely to get your greatest radiation exposure at home. That is where you spend most of your time.

Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the United States is estimated to have an elevated radon level (4 pCi/L or more). Elevated levels of radon gas have been found in homes in your state. Contact your state radon office for information about radon in your area.

The EPA and the Surgeon General Recommend That You Test Your Home

Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon.

You cannot predict radon levels based on state, local, and neighborhood radon measurements. Do not rely on radon test results taken in other homes in the neighborhood to estimate the radon level in your home. Homes which are next to each other can have different radon levels.

Testing is the only way to find out what your home’s radon level is.

I personally would not live in a home Tennessee without having a radon test conducted.

The only way to know if you have elevated Radon levels in your home is to have a Radon test. Please see our website at www.nashvillehomeinspection.com for complete details on Radon, Radon Testing and Radon Mitigation.

John Watkins,
Certified Home Inspector