Radon Myths & Misunderstandings

• But, I don't have a basement!
• But, I live on the top of a hill!
• But, we have sandy soils in our area
• But, my house is old
• But, my house is new
• Can't I just seal the cracks??
• But, my neighbor's house tested low!

We've heard them all. The fact is high radon levels can be present in any structure. Even if your neighbor, or geography in general, have low levels.

High radon levels have been found in every state and province in North America. Testing your home is the only way to know for sure.

MYTH: Scientists aren't sure radon really is a problem.

FACT: Although some scientists dispute the precise number of deaths due to radon, all major health organizations (like the Centers for Disease Control, the American Lung Association, and the American Medical Association) agree with estimates that radon causes thousands of preventable lung cancer deaths every year. This is especially true among smokers since the risk to smokers is much greater than to non-smokers.

MYTH: Radon testing is difficult, time-consuming and expensive.

FACT: Radon testing is easy. You can test your home yourself or hire a qualified radon testing company. Either approach takes only a small amount of time and effort.

MYTH: Radon test kits are not reliable and are difficult to find.

FACT: Reliable test kits are available from qualified radon testers and companies. Reliable testing devices are also available by phone or mail-order, and can be purchased in hardware stores and other retail outlets. Do it yourself kits can cost less than $25. Professional radon testing by a Radon Measurement Specialist is typically less than $300 and can be completed in less than 1 week.

MYTH: Homes with radon problems can't be fixed.

FACT: There are simple solutions to radon problems in homes. Hundreds of thousands of homeowners have already fixed radon problems in their homes. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs. The National Radon Defense network provides free inspection and proposal services as a standard practice throughout our network. We also guarantee the effectiveness of the systems.

MYTH: Radon only affects certain kinds of homes.

FACT: House construction can affect radon levels. However, radon can be a problem in homes of all types: old homes, new homes, drafty homes, insulated homes, homes with basements, homes without basements. Local geology, construction materials, and how the home was built are among the factors that can affect radon levels in homes.

MYTH: Radon is only a problem in certain parts of the country.

FACT: High radon levels have been found in every state. Radon problems do vary from area to area, but the only way to know your radon level is to test.

MYTH: A neighbor's test result is a good indication of whether your home has a problem.

FACT: It's not. Radon levels can vary greatly from home to home. The only way to know if your home has a radon problem is to test it.

MYTH: Everyone should test their water for radon.

FACT: Although radon gets into some homes through water, it is important to first test the air in the home for radon. If your water comes from a public water system that uses groundwater, call your water supplier. High radon levels from public water sources are extremely rare. If you get your water from a private well, we recommend you test your water. Contact your National Radon Defense dealer for an easy and affordable radon water test.

MYTH: It's difficult to sell homes where radon problems have been discovered.

FACT: Where radon problems have been fixed, home sales have not been blocked or frustrated. The added protection is often a good selling point.

MYTH: I've lived in my home for so long, it doesn't make sense to take action now.

FACT: You will reduce your risk of lung cancer when you reduce radon levels, even if you've lived with a radon problem for a long time.

Looking for a price? Get a no cost, no obligation free estimate.