The Monster in the Basement

OSHA has established an acceptable exposure for workers in a radon environment. It is a mathematical formula for the exposure rate and the results are calculated for each job. The formula is not important to you because you are not a radon worker—or is it?  

We are required to maintain records so that the workers do not exceed a certain exposure.

“But what does that have to do with me—a jolly homeowner?” you wonder.

If your house had a radon level of 20pCi/L (not that uncommon) and my worker worked in your house twenty four hours a day (not likely), at the end of 141 days  OSHA says I will remove him from that hazardous environment and not let him enter for the rest of the year.

Think about that for awhile!  He has to be removed for his safety, yet you and your family remain in the house. You are certainly very brave!  Or, more likely, and not to take away from your considerable valor, you simply do not appreciate how very much in harm’s way you and your family really are.

The danger from radon is very, very high.  It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.  Unfortunately, it is not adequately dealt with, likely because it is completely invisible, odorless and innocuous.  If it made a loud noise or smelled like rotten eggs you’d very likely deal with it immediately, but this is the worst kind of threat,   one you don’t even know may be lurking in your basement until it is far too late. 

Please, for your sake and your family’s sake, have your home tested.  If the EPA rate of 4pCi/L is exceeded you should absolutely have it mitigated.  The time and money involved are insignificant when compared to the potentially life-threatening consequences if you delay or choose to ignore the “monster” in your basement.