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Radon causes lung cancer after
prolonged exposure and can build to dangerous levels in
certain homes. Many people wait until they are about to
sell their home or buy a new one before they decide to
learn more about radon. By learning about radon, real
estate professionals can properly answer questions
during real estate transactions, and avoid potential
liability problems. Radon can be resolved at relatively
low cost and inconvenience and should not stand in the
way of any real estate transaction being seen through to
completion. By being knowledgeable and providing
information, real estate agents can minimize the
potential for delaying or derailing closings because of
radon.
The prevailing source of radon
affecting most of Nevada is naturally occurring uranium
found in the geology of the state. Surveys have
indicated that 10.0 percent of homes in Nevada have the
potential of being above the United States Environmental
Protection Agency's (U.S. EPA) recommended "action
level" of 4 picoCuries per liter of air (pCi/L). The
U.S. EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend that
people not be exposed to more than 4 pCi/L of radiation
from radon on a long-term basis.
There are practical,
field-tested techniques to address radon. Radon is
clearly an issue that real estate professionals should
become familiar with to provide service to their clients
and avoid potential liability. |
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Radon is an odorless, tasteless
gas created in the ground where uranium and radium
exist. Radium and radon are part of the uranium-238
decay chain. Uranium is found in all soils and in higher
concentrations in granites, shales and phosphates.
In short, uranium breaks down
into radium, which then decays into radon gas. Radon
moves up through the soil into the atmosphere, where it
dilutes and presents little concern. However, when it
enters a building constructed near the soil source, it
can accumulate and present a health concern for
occupants.
Note that buildings other than
homes can also have radon concerns (such as commercial
buildings, schools, apartments, etc.).
Radon breaks down into several
radioactive elements called "radon decay products,"
which are solid particles that become suspended in air.
They are extremely small and easily inhaled, where they
can attach to lung tissue. Because of their very short
"half-lives" radon decay products further decay and
expose the lungs to radiation. Next to smoking,
scientists believe that radon is associated with more
lung cancer deaths than any other compound. Radon is
classified as a "Group A" carcinogen, defined as a
substance known to cause cancer in humans.
The U.S. EPA, the American
Medical Association, the American Lung Association, the
U.S. Surgeon General, and the National Academy of
Sciences - in addition to many other health
organizations - all agree that radon is a health concern
that must be addressed. In May of 1993, the National
Association of Realtors (NAR) joined the EPA in urging
all Americans to test their homes for radon. NAR
encouraged state associations to develop and support
legislation or regulation requiring mandatory property
condition disclosure, including radon, by the seller.
Learn some terminology and
consider some statistics! |
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There are many areas of the U.S. -
and the rest of the world - with potentially high levels
of radon. A buyer may be moving to Nevada from an area
of high radon without even realizing it! Buyers are
increasingly concerned about exposing their families to
health dangers and assuming additional financial
burdens.
The map of Nevada found
elsewhere at this website shows test results of the
Nevada radon survey. Yes, there is radon in Nevada. It
has become a tool for focusing public awareness and for
determining where it would be advisable for new houses
to be constructed with radon control features. It has
also been used by relocation companies and lenders.
Regardless of what sellers say
about their neighbors' homes, an agent should always
suggest that radon is a concern in any area. A
discussion with a qualified home inspector is highly
recommended. |
