Radon Test Results From Around The KC Metro
Radon Testing in KC Metro Homes: Because Sometimes What You Can’t See Can Hurt You
Just like mold, radon gas is everywhere.
That’s why we not only perform home inspections, termite inspections, and sewer scope inspections around the KC metro, but we also include KC metro radon testing. This rounds out the 4 most important inspections every homebuyer should know about.
“What is radon gas?”
Radon is a gas that’s expelled from the breakdown of Uranium-238 in our soil.
It is colorless, tasteless, odorless, and only becomes a problem when we’re exposed to high levels for long periods of time, usually in places like home, work, and school.
Radon gas is also present in water, rock, and stone.
In fact, Radon gas in granite countertops used to be a health concern until the EPA found the levels too small to be an issue.
Radon gas is measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L).
“Does the KC metro area have high Radon levels?”
Yes. According to the EPA, the entire KC metro is subject to high radon levels.
Here is the EPA radon map of Kansas.
They’ve also determined that a level ≥ 4 pCi/L is hazardous and should be corrected.
“What are the symptoms of Radon gas exposure?”
According to the EPA, breathing radon gas causes lung cancer.
In fact, the EPA has determined that each picocurie (pCi/L) has the same cancerous effects as smoking 1 cigarette per day. It is also considered to be the leading cause of non-smoking-related lung cancer in the United States.
Look for general cancer symptoms like unexpected weight loss and fatigue.
Also, take notice of things like shortness of breath, coughing, pain or tightness in the chest, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing.
If you experience any of this AND you already smoke, stop.
Radon levels can also be higher than normal during stormy, low-pressure conditions.
“How does Radon gas get into my home?”
Since radon gas comes from the soil, levels are usually highest in the basement or crawl space.
It seeps in through any cracks or openings in floors, walls, and well water lines.
“How do I find the Radon level in my home?”
There are 2 types of radon tests you can perform:
- Home test kit. This delivers the most accurate results since it measures levels for a full 12 months before you send it to the lab.
- Professional Radon testing company. This is done during real estate transactions for quick results during a short inspection period. It’s less accurate but still useful for this purpose. This test is particularly sensitive to low-pressure conditions and tampering.
This may not sound ideal, but electronic monitors are smart and have built-in safety measures to protect you from sinister motivations.
They’re also lab-calibrated each year to maintain maximum accuracy.
“How much does a KC metro Radon test cost?”
On average, professional 48-hour electronic KC metro Radon testing will cost between $75-$200.
However, 3-12 month alpha track test kits are much cheaper and, according to the EPA, are the best way to determine the actual Radon levels in your home across different seasons and living conditions.
These self-contained at-home Radon testing canisters range in price between $35-$60 (usually includes lab testing fee) and simply get placed in your basement or crawlspace for the desired amount of time (the longer, the better).
| Name | Cost |
|---|---|
| RadonSeal | $34.99 |
| American Radon Mitigation | $38.99 |
| Radanova | $59.99 |
| Alpha Track Radon Test | $37.80 |
“How do I remove Radon gas from my home?”
When your radon level is ≥ 4.0 pCi/L, the EPA recommends installing a radon mitigation system to bring it down to a safe level.
A mitigation system is simply a length of white PVC pipe attached to a pump that sucks the air out from beneath your home and sends it outside. Some systems are so effective they reduce the level up to 99 percent.
Radon fans are the only moving part and last 5 to 10 years of non-stop operation. They cost $200-$350 to replace.
“How much does it cost to install a radon mitigation system in the KC metro?”
The average cost of a Radon reduction system in the Kansas City area will range between $700-$1300, depending on the initial Radon level and complexity of the home.
“How long should it take for radon levels to drop after a mitigation system is installed?”
It should take about 48 hours for radon levels to normalize within the home after a mitigation system is installed.
“Should I retest after a mitigation system is installed?”
Yes. You should retest within 30 days of having the system installed and it’s recommended to have your home tested every 2 years.
“Should I monitor Radon levels after I move in?”
It’s never a bad idea to safeguard yourself and your family against an invisible cancer-causing killer. And there are a few good continuous-testing monitors you can buy that measure radon levels 24/7.
That said, anyone who understands radioactivity also understands decay and won’t be surprised to hear that radon levels get lower over time as the gas dissipates into the air (radon gas has a half-life of 3.8 days).
“Where can I learn more about Radon Gas and Radon gas testing?”
The Environmental Protection Agency is a special guide made especially for the general public to learn more about Radon gas in your work, school, and home. It’s called A Citizen’s Guide to Radon, and you can get it free by clicking the cover.
Common Radon Myth #1: “If my neighbor’s radon level is low, mine should be low, too.”
Unfortunately, no.
But not too unfortunate since the same applies if your neighbor’s level is high.
Radon levels vary so much you can’t even predict what it might be next door, let alone the same street or even the same neighborhood.
In 2008 I saw this scenario play out. The homes were even tested at the same time.
One house came back with a level of .2 pCi/L and the other came back at 22 pCi/L.
I’ll never forget that. It showed me firsthand just how unpredictable radon levels could be.
Common Radon Myth #2: “If I have a walkout basement, my radon levels should be low.”
Again, this is not correct.
Radon gas comes from the soil, so if your home sits on the ground, it has the same chance of having high levels as anyone else.
The gas will still seep in through cracks, openings, and plumbing pipes just like any other home.
The only way to stop it is to prop the house up on stilts.
Kansas City Area Radon Testing FAQs
We use the Sun Nuclear 1027 electronic radon monitor.
And since this is a 48-hour test, we will either drop it off during the inspection and come back in 2 days to pick it up.
Or we can drop it off 2 days early so the results will be ready on the day of the inspection.
