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Posted: 11/6/2014 6:58:03 PM EST
[#1]
Not to threadjack, but along the lines of ops post, how much exposure is harmful?
Working out for a hour in a basement with passive radon ok, with the occasional hangout/ps3 session? avoid at all costs? What do you all think? |
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Posted: 11/6/2014 6:58:22 PM EST
[#2]
I have installed a few fans. Its not that hard if you are handy. Not sure how much it costs to pay someone. The real short version is its a pvc pipe going through slab and out of house to pull radon out.
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Posted: 11/6/2014 7:05:37 PM EST
[#3]
Bids for a contractor to come in ranged from $600-$1200 in my neck of the woods.
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Posted: 11/6/2014 7:06:08 PM EST
[#4]
When we bought our house, the radon test came back high. The wife freaked because we have a little one who will be playing on the basement. So, a company was hired to install a 3" pvc pipe thats ties into our sump. It has a constant running fan that must pull air out. Looks like a pretty easy install job but the cost was covered by the sellers during the home purchase.
If you ask me, I think radon is a bunch of new age bullshit. 
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Posted: 11/6/2014 7:07:42 PM EST
[#5]
Seems like a racket to me. They don't test for it in new houses. If you build, you will get hit for it in an inspection when you sell. Our last house required a simple install that went up and out a side wall. Was still $1500. If they have to go up through attic, it would have been north of $2k.
I agree with post above. Seems like BS. |
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Posted: 11/6/2014 7:08:51 PM EST
[#6]
Radon is an alpha emitter
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Posted: 11/6/2014 7:10:15 PM EST
[#7]
Back in 2004 I had an install done. $800 to drill a hole into my foundation by the wall, install a pipe going outside to a fan and pipe above roof level. The also ran a bead of sealant all around my foundation floor and wall.
The fan has run since with no issues. |
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Posted: 11/6/2014 7:15:29 PM EST
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Radon is an alpha emitter If non-smokers in the Uranium mines didn't have that much better a chance of catching the cancers than I'm sure that my basement will be fine. Smokers on the other hand...
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Posted: 11/6/2014 7:22:51 PM EST
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Radon is an alpha emitter Nasty shit. Alpha emitters outside of the body are harmless more or less. They fuck all sorts of shit up when ingested. Pipe from a sealed sump, or a sealed penetration into the basement concrete slab. The fan keeps the underside of the slab at a negative pressure, so any radon generated is sucked out instead of wafting into your basement. Our house had something like 40 (whatever units they used). After installation of a PVC line into the slab and associated fan, our levels are down to 0.04. |
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Posted: 11/6/2014 7:23:08 PM EST
[#10]
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Posted: 11/6/2014 7:23:51 PM EST
[#11]
I just sold my house in IL and had to pay for remediation. Three quotes all for $750. It's a racket for sure. They install a small vent fan that pulls air from sump hole out and up through PVC to the roof.
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Posted: 11/6/2014 7:24:43 PM EST
[#12]
It's good for you ...
fucking pussies these days |
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Posted: 11/6/2014 7:28:13 PM EST
[#13]
It costs about 1k to fix. They seal up the basement floor with caulking and then put a PVC pipe into the floor.
The idea is to create a tiny vacuum under the slab and expel the radon out the roof. It isn't a gamble, if you choose to get it fixed, it will fix it. It is that stupid simple. |
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Posted: 11/6/2014 7:54:05 PM EST
[#14]
Quoted:
If you ask me, I think radon is a bunch of new age bullshit. Yes, radio active gas from decaying uranium is "new age bullshit". 
Jesus. You would think people that dumb would eventually just forget how to breathe and solve the problem... ETA - added the original quote i was referring to. |
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Posted: 11/6/2014 8:01:45 PM EST
[#15]
I think the action level is a 4 so you are deep in the red. Radon is an alpha emitter but the problem is it is in your lungs when it goes off. The second and more serious problem is that radon decays into other products which remain radioactive so you breath in a radon particle it goes off and turns into radioactive lead which also coats the inside of your house. Now you have radioactive dust in your house. Not the best situation to be in but its an easy fix
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Posted: 11/6/2014 8:06:22 PM EST
[#16]
We've got bad radon in our house and well-water.
I used to think it was possibly bullshit too until I got myself a little Mazur brand radiation detector. The water in our case had low levels of radon and is treated through two large fiberglass tanks that contain activated charcoal. One of the tanks is swapped out every year to the tune of ~$400.00. All of the water coming into the house is diverted through these two tanks first. The air is the standard sub-floor PVC tubing with a radon fan sucking it up and out. I always kinda thought it was bullshit until I walked near the water tanks with the detector. Hot. Not Fukishima hot but hotter than you'd want to hang around. The oldest tank (2 years old) was of course the hottest. Measured 1" away from the tank you're getting two dental x-rays every hour. New tanks were zero. I'd imagine if you were to actually dump that hot charcoal out you might get into some trouble if you were to breathe it or ingest it. So, it's not bullshit. How much of a risk? Well that's hard to say... no radiation is the best kind. IMO the treatment options are relatively cheap and worth the peace of mind. |
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Posted: 11/6/2014 8:08:21 PM EST
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Radon is an alpha emitter Which would be fine if it stayed outside your body. But since it's a gas you breathe it in to your lungs, where there is no dead layer of skin cells to block the alpha particles. |
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Posted: 11/6/2014 8:09:46 PM EST
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I have installed a few fans. Its not that hard if you are handy. Not sure how much it costs to pay someone. The real short version is its a pvc pipe going through slab and out of house to pull radon out. |
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Posted: 11/6/2014 8:14:48 PM EST
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Yes, radio active gas from decaying uranium is "new age bullshit". Jesus. You would think people that dumb would eventually just forget how to breathe and solve the problem... ETA: I'm retarded. I don't agree, my reading comprehension is, apparently, not so hot. |
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Posted: 11/6/2014 9:07:55 PM EST
[#20]
Who makes a good test?
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Posted: 11/6/2014 9:19:06 PM EST
[#21]
Where does radon come from? What emits it, the concrete?
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Posted: 11/6/2014 9:27:54 PM EST
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Where does radon come from? What emits it, the concrete? Typically from large underground rock formations, shale, granite, etc that contain natural radium that decays into radon and percolates up. |
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Posted: 11/6/2014 9:29:36 PM EST
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Where does radon come from? What emits it, the concrete? |
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Posted: 11/6/2014 9:36:50 PM EST
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
also, i agree with this. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Yes, radio active gas from decaying uranium is "new age bullshit".
Jesus. You would think people that dumb would eventually just forget how to breathe and solve the problem... as anyone ever known someone who has died from radon exposure?
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Posted: 11/6/2014 9:41:27 PM EST
[#25]
Radon fears are mostly alarmist bullshit.
The science behind the danger levels is laughably bad, and the howls of "tens of thousands die every year" is absurd. Does anyone know anyone who has died of Radon exposure? Except a coal miner? If you overlay maps that show the radon belt, and a map with incidents of lung cancer, they do not correlate at all...in fact in some areas with extremely high levels incidence of cancer is extremely low. What's that say? There's even some studies that suggest low level (in the ranges the EPA says are dangerous) might be beneficial. |
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Posted: 11/6/2014 9:41:50 PM EST
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted: as anyone ever known someone who has died from radon exposure? Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: Yes, radio active gas from decaying uranium is "new age bullshit". Jesus. You would think people that dumb would eventually just forget how to breathe and solve the problem... as anyone ever known someone who has died from radon exposure? |
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Posted: 11/6/2014 9:44:37 PM EST
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted: also, i agree with this. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Yes, radio active gas from decaying uranium is "new age bullshit". Jesus. You would think people that dumb would eventually just forget how to breathe and solve the problem... Nothing about the hysteria of radon exposure in homes is borne out by science, whatsoever. The claims are demonstrably silly, the studies don't back up the EPA, and even a "no shit sherlock", cursory look at the problem should inform anyone that it's not really a problem or we'd see lung and other cancers in epidemic levels across the radon belt. We see no such thing. Which one of you wants to address why that isn't the case? Since we're dumb, tell us with little words or use crayon. In any case, here's some very good reading on radon, it's dangers, studies on it, and the government's shit science. |
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Posted: 11/6/2014 9:57:39 PM EST
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Typically from large underground rock formations, shale, granite, etc that contain natural radium that decays into radon and percolates up. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Where does radon come from? What emits it, the concrete? Typically from large underground rock formations, shale, granite, etc that contain natural radium that decays into radon and percolates up. Ah, so it mostly affects houses with basements? |
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Posted: 11/6/2014 9:58:15 PM EST
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Uranium. it has a stupid long half-life. But Radon has a very fast half-life so it can fuck shit up. Problem is the breathing in of Rn gas. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Where does radon come from? What emits it, the concrete? Gotcha. |
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Posted: 11/6/2014 9:58:41 PM EST
[#30]
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Posted: 11/6/2014 10:02:00 PM EST
[#31]
Tag.
I work for a multifamily architecture firm in Texas. We do not have radon. We pour monolithic post tension slabs. Currently have a client that wants to design for radon where it is not prevalent. How is this accomplished with the interior grade beams? Anyone?? Buller? Thanks for he input. Sorry OP not trying to jack e thread. |
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Posted: 11/6/2014 10:04:44 PM EST
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Ah, so it mostly affects houses with basements? Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: Where does radon come from? What emits it, the concrete? Typically from large underground rock formations, shale, granite, etc that contain natural radium that decays into radon and percolates up. Ah, so it mostly affects houses with basements? |
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Posted: 11/6/2014 10:10:44 PM EST
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Nothing about the hysteria of radon exposure in homes is borne out by science, whatsoever. The claims are demonstrably silly, the studies don't back up the EPA, and even a "no shit sherlock", cursory look at the problem should inform anyone that it's not really a problem or we'd see lung and other cancers in epidemic levels across the radon belt. We see no such thing. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: Yes, radio active gas from decaying uranium is "new age bullshit". Jesus. You would think people that dumb would eventually just forget how to breathe and solve the problem... Nothing about the hysteria of radon exposure in homes is borne out by science, whatsoever. The claims are demonstrably silly, the studies don't back up the EPA, and even a "no shit sherlock", cursory look at the problem should inform anyone that it's not really a problem or we'd see lung and other cancers in epidemic levels across the radon belt. We see no such thing. Which one of you wants to address why that isn't the case? Since we're dumb, tell us with little words or use crayon. In any case, here's some very good reading on radon, it's dangers, studies on it, and the government's shit science. |
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Posted: 11/6/2014 10:12:16 PM EST
[#34]
Radon map of the US.
 Lung Cancer Mortality Rates.  Interdasting, ain't it? Pay close attention to Pennsylvania, where readings have been taking in residences HUNDREDS of times the supposed "safe" exposure rate. Areas of coal country there and eastern Ohio are heavily concentrated with radon. See a big spike of lung cancer killing folks? Now, let's look at smoking rates.  Which one looks like the real issue?  |
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Posted: 11/6/2014 10:14:02 PM EST
[#35]
I can save you the price of a test kit if you live in Illinois and have black soil, you have high radon. Is it dangerous? Well, maybe, maybe not. If you are smoker and spend a lot of time (more than 8hours a day for decades) in the basement without mitigation, you probably will get lung cancer. The studies were of miners who smoked, and yeah they got lung cancer more often than non-smokers or smoking non-miners. It cost our church about $1,200 ten years ago to put in a pipe and fan motor in the parsonage which the new owner disconnected.
If you smoke or have a bed room in the basement and have radon, it is probably prudent to vent it, or seal the basement on new construction. BTW, high tests in the basement does not equal high readings on the first floor contrary to what the State of Illinois says. Basement can be high and living area will be fine due to air leaks. Remember a vent does not destroy it, it just pushes it outside. |
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Posted: 11/6/2014 10:14:51 PM EST
[#36]
it also comes from granite and marble.
easy fix and the wholesale price on the fan is about 175.00 add other material and you are close to 350 in hard material costs. figure in labor and insurance makes 750 a bargain |
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Posted: 11/6/2014 10:17:43 PM EST
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I can save you the price of a test kit if you live in Illinois and have black soil, you have high radon. Is it dangerous? Well, maybe, maybe not. If you are smoker and spend a lot of time (more than 8hours a day for decades) in the basement without mitigation, you probably will get lung cancer. The studies were of miners who smoked, and yeah they got lung cancer more often than non-smokers or smoking non-miners. It cost our church about $1,200 ten years ago to put in a pipe and fan motor in the parsonage which the new owner disconnected. If you smoke or have a bed room in the basement and have radon, it is probably prudent to vent it, or seal the basement on new construction. BTW, high tests in the basement does not equal high readings on the first floor contrary to what the State of Illinois says. Basement can be high and living area will be fine due to air leaks. Remember a vent does not destroy it, it just pushes it outside. +1 to all that. My house tested high (11cPi/L) in the basement, but the first floor was like 3. We didn't smoke or sleep on the slab downstairs, so it was a total non-issue....certainly wasn't going to mitigate over it. |
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Posted: 11/6/2014 10:19:27 PM EST
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted: it also comes from granite and marble. easy fix and the wholesale price on the fan is about 175.00 add other material and you are close to 350 in hard material costs. figure in labor and insurance makes 750 a bargain It's wasted money unless you're spending the majority of your time in a sealed area with high levels, and you smoke. But, I guess if you wanna punch a hole and waste some watts, the good news is it makes your house easier to sell as many inspections require testing.
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Posted: 11/6/2014 10:25:40 PM EST
[#39]
My house was testing high so I installed a system myself. Had an existing sump to cap in a very convenient location for outside venting.
Bought the system from Menards, was about $350 total in materials, took about a day start to finish to install over the course of a week. The fan uses 3" pipe, had to buy a fancy sealing cover for the sump since my sump wasn't actually round and I had to get over a grounding rod right next to it. Figure the cost of those two, plus a gfci breaker ($60), some 3" pvc pipe, new 3.5" hole saw, and some spray paint to paint the white pvc to match my house. If you're handy it's fairly easy. The only tricky part may be the electrical since they are hard wired. I did have to buy a hammer drill  but I wanted one anyway. Just a good excuse to get a new tool. |
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Posted: 11/6/2014 10:36:19 PM EST
[#40]
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Posted: 11/6/2014 10:45:24 PM EST
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Nothing about the hysteria of radon exposure in homes is borne out by science, whatsoever. The claims are demonstrably silly, the studies don't back up the EPA, and even a "no shit sherlock", cursory look at the problem should inform anyone that it's not really a problem or we'd see lung and other cancers in epidemic levels across the radon belt. We see no such thing. Which one of you wants to address why that isn't the case? Since we're dumb, tell us with little words or use crayon. In any case, here's some very good reading on radon, it's dangers, studies on it, and the government's shit science. http://www.forensic-applications.com/radon/radon.html Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Yes, radio active gas from decaying uranium is "new age bullshit".
Jesus. You would think people that dumb would eventually just forget how to breathe and solve the problem... Nothing about the hysteria of radon exposure in homes is borne out by science, whatsoever. The claims are demonstrably silly, the studies don't back up the EPA, and even a "no shit sherlock", cursory look at the problem should inform anyone that it's not really a problem or we'd see lung and other cancers in epidemic levels across the radon belt. We see no such thing. Which one of you wants to address why that isn't the case? Since we're dumb, tell us with little words or use crayon. In any case, here's some very good reading on radon, it's dangers, studies on it, and the government's shit science. http://www.forensic-applications.com/radon/radon.html Good read. Thanks Swingset. |
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Posted: 11/6/2014 10:48:20 PM EST
[#42]
It's like Thoron, but not as dangerous. No one checks for Thoron.
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Posted: 11/7/2014 10:43:33 AM EST
[#43]
Thanks Arfcom! I learned a lot and appreciate all the replies and links.
We're in the basement for short periods of time and the science indicates it's not a significant problem anyway. My occasional exposure to lead there when reloading may be a more significant hazard! |
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Posted: 11/7/2014 10:53:35 AM EST
[#44]
IIRC correctly, the study that made Radon a cancer hazard was done among Uranium miners, since they were exposed to very high levels of it.
They were also very heavy smokers... |
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Posted: 11/7/2014 10:58:06 AM EST
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Seems like a racket to me. They don't test for it in new houses. If you build, you will get hit for it in an inspection when you sell. Our last house required a simple install that went up and out a side wall. Was still $1500. If they have to go up through attic, it would have been north of $2k. I agree with post above. Seems like BS. never heard of inspections looking for radon with houses being outside of the radon belt. secondly, new homes get inspected too.... it's the buyers due diligence to hire a good inspector but the real truth is that people see the low $$$$ figure for the house and skip the inspection because it's brand new. |
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Posted: 11/7/2014 11:04:27 AM EST
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Radon fears are mostly alarmist bullshit. The science behind the danger levels is laughably bad, and the howls of "tens of thousands die every year" is absurd. Does anyone know anyone who has died of Radon exposure? Except a coal miner? If you overlay maps that show the radon belt, and a map with incidents of lung cancer, they do not correlate at all...in fact in some areas with extremely high levels incidence of cancer is extremely low. What's that say? There's even some studies that suggest low level (in the ranges the EPA says are dangerous) might be beneficial. http://hotair.com/greenroom/archives/2009/12/13/the-epas-other-hockey-stick-the-radon-scam/ Here's a thought. Maybe since the levels are extremely high in those areas, the residents/zoning/permitting/housing inspector folks are pretty keen on mitigating radon, and so the exposures are minimized? |
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Posted: 11/7/2014 11:16:24 AM EST
[#47]
Here's my take, if you believe it's BS or not. If you test, and it comes back over 4 pCi/l, you are at the "action level" and remediation is recommended.
You can look around and see other countries have much higher action levels. You might be at 6 pCi/l and read about some higher concentrations of 30+ pCi/l and decide it's acceptable. But if you sell, they probably will do a radon test. My home inspector did. Then it's either meet in the middle on a remediation system, or possibly the full amount to sell it. I got the seller to come down $800 due to the radon test. If you test high, you may as well remediate since you can pay for it now, or likely pay for it later. We were making the basement in to a workout room, so that's why we wanted to check. If you aren't concerned or don't want to remediate, I'd avoid testing so you can honestly say "I don't know". |
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Posted: 11/7/2014 11:19:55 AM EST
[#48]
Being fat, smoking and drinking are all more dangerous.
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Posted: 11/7/2014 11:21:36 AM EST
[#49]
It's noble.
Quoted: Radon is an alpha emitter The radon itself isn't an issue. Its decay products - Radioactive isotopes of polonium, bismuth, lead, etc. are. |
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Posted: 11/7/2014 11:24:11 AM EST
[#50]
I treat mine with mold.
Black mold works best. 
p |
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