Radon. It’s colorless, odorless, tasteless…and it could be silently lurking in your Maine home. As a Portland resident myself, I know how confusing and concerning radon can be. That’s why I wanted to write this informal guide to help my fellow Portlanders understand exactly what radon is, why it matters, and what to do about it.
Let’s start with the basics.
What Exactly is Radon?
Simply put, radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It seeps up through the ground and can enter homes through cracks and openings in the foundation. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. Yikes!
The reason radon poses a health risk is because when you breathe it in, it decays and releases tiny radioactive particles that can damage lung tissue. Not cool. The EPA estimates that radon causes over 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the U.S. alone.
So radon definitely isn’t something to brush off. Let’s talk about why it’s a particular concern here in Portland.
Why You Should Test for Radon in Portland
There are a few reasons why Radon testing in Portland Maine homes are at risk for elevated radon levels:
We’re in Northern New England. The EPA has identified Maine as one of the states with the biggest radon problems. In fact, Maine ranks #9 for highest average radon levels. Our friends in New Hampshire and Vermont also have high radon potential.
We have granite bedrock. Radon gas can seep up through cracks and gaps in the granite bedrock underlying much of Maine. Porous gravel and sandy soils can also allow radon to move freely.
We have cold winters. Our chilly Maine winters force us to button up and seal our homes tight. This can cause radon to accumulate indoors. Opening windows in warmer seasons can dilute radon levels.
We have older homes. Many Portland homes are older and have foundation cracks that give radon entry points. Newer homes can also let in radon over time as foundations settle. Proper sealing and venting helps reduce this risk.
The good news is that radon can be detected through inexpensive home test kits. Let’s explore proper radon testing for Portland homes.
A Step-By-Step Guide to Radon Testing
Radon testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon exposure. Here are some tips for accurate radon testing in your Portland home:
Use approved test kits. Choose a radon test kit that meets EPA requirements. Many hardware stores sell reliable test kits for $15-$30. Look for kits with laboratory analysis included.
Follow test instructions carefully. Each kit will have specific instructions. Carefully read and follow these steps for proper placement, use, and return of the kit. Accurate results depend on proper use.
Test in the lowest lived-in level. Radon concentrates in lower areas of a home. For the most meaningful results, test in a frequently used room on the lowest level.
Close windows and doors. Closing up the house 12 hours before beginning a short-term test will allow radon to accumulate and produce more accurate results. Don’t run fans or ventilation systems.
Consider long-term testing. For the most precise results, use a long-term test. Place the detector for 91 days to get an average radon level over different seasons.
Test multiple rooms. Consider using more than one kit at a time in different areas of the home for a more complete radon profile.
Retest after fixes. If initial results are high, retest after implementing radon reduction to confirm the effectiveness of the mitigation system.
Proper testing is crucial, but what do you do if radon is detected in your home? Let’s go over your radon reduction options.
How to Reduce High Radon Levels in Your Home
The EPA recommends fixing homes with radon levels of 4 pCi/L (picoCuries per liter) or higher. Here are some tips for lowering radon in your Portland home:
Hire a certified mitigation pro. Don’t tackle a radon problem yourself unless you have training and experience. Hire a certified radon mitigation professional for the best results.
Install an active sub-slab suction system. This is the most effective way to lower radon. It uses a fan to draw radon from below the foundation and vent it above the house through a pipe.
Seal foundation cracks. Any cracks or openings in the foundation or crawl space allow radon entry. Careful sealing helps reduce this.
Increase under-floor ventilation. Improving air circulation under the home helps dilute radon. Opening vents or installing an additional fan helps.
Install a heat recovery ventilator (HRV). HRVs improve overall indoor air quality and can reduce radon when used along with other mitigation strategies.
Be patient. It can take a while after making fixes for radon levels to lower. Wait at least 24 hours, then retest to confirm mitigation was successful.
Dealing with radon can seem daunting at first. But with increased awareness and proper testing, Portland homeowners can identify and fix radon problems promptly. Protecting your family is worth the effort. Let’s recap the key points for Radon Testing in Portland Maine:
The Takeaway: Top Tips for Radon Testing
Radon is sneaky, but it doesn’t have to take us by surprise. Here are my top tips for Portland homeowners:
- Test your home for radon – it’s the only way to know your exposure risk. Use an approved long-term kit for the most accurate results.
- Hire a certified radon mitigation pro if high levels are detected. Don’t attempt DIY radon reduction.
- Fix your home if radon is 4 pCi/L or greater. The EPA recommends this action level to protect your family’s health.
- Retest after radon mitigation to confirm reductions. It takes time for levels to lower after making fixes.
- Learn the radon facts and don’t panic. Radon is manageable when proper steps are taken. Knowledge is power!
I hope this guide gives you a helpful Radon Testing overview and empowers you to test your Portland home. Our families’ health is too important to leave to chance. Stay safe from radon, Portland!
