Does your household water come from a well? If so, your water probably has radon gas. Radon gas is normally found in all well water. Bedrock wells typically have much higher radon concentrations than dug or point wells.
WHAT IS RADON?
Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, naturally occurring radioactive gas produced from the decay of the element radium, which occurs naturally in rocks and soil worldwide. Radon gas can dissolve in groundwater and later be released into the air during such normal household activities as showering, dishwashing and doing laundry. When radon accumulates in indoor air it can pose an increased health risk, primarily, lung cancer.
RADON PATHWAYS INTO YOUR HOME
Radon can enter a home via at least three common pathways:
· Migration (up from the soil) into the basement through cracks and/or other openings in the foundation.
· Release of dissolved radon gas from the household on-site water supply.
· Release from building materials such as a granite block foundation, some fireplace materials, and floor or wall tiles.
Although there are some exceptions, in general, the migration of radon up from the soil contributes the largest percent of radon found in the average home. Radon from a groundwater type water supply source, particularly a bedrock well (also known as an artesian or drilled well), contributes the next largest percentage of radon in the home. The radon contributed from building materials is typically very small. DES recommends that the two predominant pathways should be evaluated and that initial action to reduce radon exposure should target the pathway that contributes the largest percentage of risk to occupants.
HEALTH EFFECTS
The primary risk pathway from exposure to radon gas is through inhalation of radon-laden air in a home. Studies indicate that high levels of radon gas in the air increase the risk of lung cancer. An additional health risk is associated with the ingestion of the radon that remains dissolved in the water and is consumed. On average, this latter risk is substantially lower than that associated with inhalation. The risk from radon in water is relatively high when compared to other drinking water contaminants. For more health risk information concerning radon in air and water call the DES Health Risk Assessment Program at (603) 271-4664 or go to their website to see the health related fact sheet on radon at www.des.state.nh.us/EOH/Radon/RadonQ&A.doc
HOW MUCH RADON IS TOO MUCH?
Radon in Indoor Air The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set an advisory "action level" of 4 pCi/L for radon gas in indoor air. While not a mandated health standard, this level is a guideline for people to use in assessing the seriousness of their exposure to airborne radon. Concentrations noticeably lower than 4 pCi/L are desirable.
TESTING FOR RADON
DES recommends that both the interior air of a home and that private well water supplies should be tested for radon.
Testing Water for Radon - A test for radon gas in drinking water requires approximately two weeks for processing, requires a special sample bottle, and costs $20 (2005) A sample container for the radon water test may be obtained from the DES Laboratory by calling 603-271-3445/3446. Many independent laboratories also provide testing for radon in water. Water testing can be done at any time of the year. If the well/water system has not been in regular use, the entire system should be flushed for at least 20 minutes to ensure that fresh water is captured in the sample container. "Old" water will have a lower radon concentration due to radon's half-life of approximately 3.6 days.
A review of PWS data shows that radon concentrations in water may vary substantially from one test to another due to many reasons including the level of saturated soil above the rock, atmospheric pressure, prior well pumping and other factors. DES recommends at least two radon tests (at least one month apart when possible) be processed before determining the average radon concentration in water.
Get A Home Inspection! (Part 2)
That's why it is so important for you, the buyer, to get an independent home inspection. Ask a qualified home inspector to thoroughly examine the physical condition of your future home and give you the information you need to make a wise decision.
When you make a written offer on a home, you should insist that the contract state that the offer is contingent (dependent) on a home inspection conducted by a qualified inspector. You will have to pay for the inspection yourself, but it could keep you from buying a house that will cost you far more in repairs down the road. If you are satisfied with the results of the inspection, then you can proceed with your offer.
As the buyer, it is your responsibility to carefully select a qualified inspector. The following sources may help you find a qualified home inspector:
- State regulatory authorities. Some states require licensing of home inspectors.
- Professional organizations. Professional organizations may require home inspectors to pass tests and meet minimum qualifications before becoming a member.
- Phone book Yellow Pages. Look under "Building Inspection Service" or "Home Inspection Service".
- The Internet. Search for "Building Inspection Service" or "Home Inspection Service."
- Your real estate agent. Most real estate professionals have a list of home inspectors they recommend.
Radon gas testing. Radon is a natural radioactive gas found in some homes. Strong concentrations (amounts) can cause serious health problems. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Surgeon General of the United States recommend that all houses should be tested for radon. For more information on radon testing, call the National Radon Information Line at 1-800-SOS-Radon or 1-800-767-7236. As with a home inspection, if you decide to test for radon, you can do it before or after signing the contract, as long as your contract states your purchase depends on your satisfaction with the results of the radon test.
National Lead Information Clearinghouse - Many homes built before 1978 have lead paint, and some ingredients can threaten your health. To protect your family, you should be sure to get a lead-based inspection and/or risk assessment. For more information, contact the National Lead Information Clearinghouse at 1-800-424-LEAD or 1-800-424-5323. 
Get A Home Inspection! (Part 1)
Buying a home is one of the most important purchases you will make in your life, so protect yourself by making sure that the home you want to buy is in good condition. A home inspection is an evaluation of a home's condition by a trained expert. During a home inspection, a qualified inspector takes an in-depth and fair look at the property you plan to buy.
The inspector will:
- Evaluate the physical condition: the structure, construction and mechanical systems
- Find and list items that should be repaired or replaced
- Estimate the remaining useful life of major systems (such as electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning), equipment, structure and finishes
The home inspector does not estimate the value of the house.
After the inspection is complete, you will receive a written report of the home inspector's findings, usually within five to seven days.
Home inspections are not appraisals. A property appraisal provides an estimate of a property's market value. Lenders require appraisals on properties before loan approval because they do not want to loan more than the property is worth. Appraisals benefit lenders; home inspections benefit buyers. The FHA requires lenders to obtain appraisals of properties backing FHA-insured loans.
The FHA requires appraisals for three reasons:
- To estimate the market value of the property
- To make sure that the property meets FHA minimum property requirements/standards (health and safety)
- To make sure that the property is or easy to resell.
The appraisal will note problems that are easy to see with the property and non-compliance with HUD's minimum property requirements/standards. These problems may not be the same as those items noted in a home inspection report.
The FHA does not guarantee the value or condition of your future home, and the FHA does not perform home inspections. If you find problems with your new home after closing, FHA cannot give or lend you money for repairs, nor can it buy the home back from you. It cannot help you with the builder or seller. - Part 2 Will Be Posted On March 27
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