It is good thing January is National Radon Action Month, because few people really know much about Radon.
I wanted to highlight this great article from Brendan and Beth Haggerty at Pillar to Post discussing Radon.
OWNERS OF PILLAR TO POST HOME INSPECTORS FRANCHISE STRESS IMPORTANCE OF RADON AWARENESS TO FLORIDIANS
The EPA has designated January as National Radon Action Month
(Sunrise, Florida)—Brendan and Beth Haggerty, owners of Pillar To Post Home Inspectors at 10900 NW 20th Ct. are keenly aware of the dangers that radon, the deadly gaseous result of the breakdown of uranium that can infiltrate and accumulate in homes, pose to Florida residents. Serving homeowners in southern Broward County since 2008, the Haggertys have plenty of experience both testing Florida homes for radon along with the other home inspection services they provide and imparting the importance of regular radon testing to Floridians. In light of January’s designation by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as National Radon Action Month, the Haggertys are hard at work educating Floridians on the nature of radon and debunking common misconceptions.
Second only to smoking as the leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, radon, a colorless, odorless and tasteless radioactive gas formed by the breakdown of uranium, a natural radioactive material, into soil, rock and groundwater, is not to be taken lightly. Generally, radon is found on the lowest living level of a home, however in condo high-rises, the “Stack Effect” causes the elevated units to have increased levels of radon. Condo units which have been upgraded with granite, travertine and marble still allow for radon to travel upward through the openings of HVAC pipes, wiring and plumbing as well.
Owing to the facts that most homes in Florida lack a basement and that many Florida homes are built upon coral rock above an aquifer, the Haggertys say, many Floridians mistakenly believe that their home is safe from radon. “While a lot of Americans are starting to become cognizant of the need for regular radon testing, many in Florida still don’t see the big deal,” the Haggertys note. “Given the risks of radon exposure, that’s very disturbing to us.”
Contrary to the perception of imperviousness many Floridians have towards radon, Broward County estimates that one out of ten homes have elevated levels of radon, Miami-Dade County is listed as a Zone 2 for “Moderate Potential” for radon in the home and the State of Florida has data stating that one out of five homes in Florida have elevated levels of radon. Moreover, Florida’s “Contract for Residential Sale and Purchase” has a three-sentence radon disclosure statement that warns homebuyers that radon can exist in a home and, further, that it “may present health risks to persons who are exposed to it over time,” highlighting the risks of radon exposure.
While radon testing kits can be obtained from a local hardware store, the Haggertys note the advantages of having a test performed by a professional radon measurement technician. “A professional will generally use what’s called a continuous radon monitor (CRM) and the results produced are much more accurate than those obtained with do-it-yourself kits,” the Haggertys explain. “When you’re dealing with something that can affect the lives of everyone under your roof, radon testing is something you definitely want to make sure is thorough and accurate.”
About Pillar To Post Home Inspectors
Founded in 1994, Pillar To Post Home Inspectors is the largest home inspection company in North America with 450 franchisees, located in 49 states and eight Canadian provinces. The South Broward Franchise has been in operation for over 16 years with the Haggerty’s owning it for over 6 years. The Haggerty’s have built the one man operation into a multi-inspector company that offers full Home Inspections, 4 point reports, Wind Mitigation reports, Radon, Water, Soil Testing and Mold Assessments, Protocols and Testing.
Pillar to Post South Broward County can be reached at 954-749-8615 or sbroward@pillartopost.com.