Unsurprisingly, we often field questions about radon. Beyond the typical “what is radon” (psst – the answer is that it is a radioactive colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that can cause cancer), we’ve put together a list of the 5 most common Illinois radon questions we hear.
1) Is Radon really a problem in Illinois?
Yes! 41% of homes tested in Illinois have high levels of radon. In Kendall, DeKalb, & surrounding counties, the statistics are higher. If your home has not been tested recently, now is a great time to have a licensed radon tester out to see what your levels are. Anything at or above 4.0 pCi/L is considered the “action point” by the EPA, and you should very seriously consider having a radon reduction system installed.
2) What is sealing?
When it comes to Illinois radon, the process of sealing can cover a range of things. It may include one or all of the following activities: caulking the foundation wall join, cracks & openings between the house & soil, covering & caulking the sump pit, and covering the crawlspace with membrane & adhering it to the walls & pillars inside. Your home’s unique design will determine what kind of sealing is necessary for your radon mitigation system.
3) Can the same person test and mitigate my home?
Unless you are the one testing & mitigating your own home, then Illinois radon policy (specificially 32 Illinois Administrative Code 422) says no. A licensed radon contractor is only allowed to maintain a license in EITHER testing OR mitigation, NOT both. At Trinity, we are happy to setup a radon test with one of the licensed radon testers we recommend on your behalf.
4) Should I get a post-test?
We guarantee our systems will reduce radon levels to be less than 4.0 pCi/L. Often times people ask if they should bother with a post-test. Our answer is yes! Since you can’t taste, smell, or see radon, the only way to know what your levels are is to test. If your post-test comes back higher than 4.0 pCi/L, it is our responsibility to come back out to make it right.
5) I’m building a home, should I test my soil?
Generally, no. Testing can be very expensive & studies have shown do not correlate well with radon measurements performed after the house is completed and functioning. A better alternative would be to ask your builder to include a “passive radon reduction system” in your home design. It has been shown that having an active system installed during construction can save you $400-$900 on activation (should your post move-in tests come back at or above the action level). If you need your passive system to be activated, it MUST be done by a licensed Illinois radon mitigation contractor.
Have more radon questions? We’re happy to help! Give our offices a call at 630-499-1492 to find out more.
