Pittsburgh Radon levels are drastically higher than the national average. 1 in 15 homes in the United States have Radon levels above the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recommended limit. However, in Pittsburgh, the number of homes with elevated Radon levels is 4 in 10, over 6 times more than the rest of the country. Pittsburgh's well-known weather and geography play a huge role in the elevated levels. So, what does this mean for you as a homeowner, realtor or first-time home buyer? Is a high Radon level really that dangerous? (The short answer is yes).
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Looking for the long answer? Here are 5 quick facts about Radon that will help you understand the impact it could be having on your home.
1. Radon levels at the EPA recommended action level are equivalent to being exposed to the radiation of 100 chest X-rays in a year. Medical professionals recommend having no more than 4 chest X-rays a year. 4 out of 10 homes in Pittsburgh have levels above this.
2. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer related deaths among non-smokers. In total, Radon causes 21,000 deaths every single year in the United States.
3. Radon levels can fluctuate yearly, and even daily, due to changes in soil conditions. If your new home tested low for Radon when you bought it 10 years ago, chances are that has changed (just like the new paint and hardwood flooring). It is recommended homeowners test for Radon once every 2 years.
4. Newly built homes are not required to have Radon testing conducted before you move in, but even brand new homes on fresh lots can have elevated Radon levels. Luckily, installing Radon removal systems in newer homes is often easier and cheaper than in older homes.
5. If your neighbor tested their house and it comes back low, you probably think that your house will be too, right? Unfortunately, no. Just because the house next door is safe, does not mean your house is too. We have conducted several tests on the same street and have had a wide variety of Radon test results.
Here is a chart of all the counties in Pennsylvania. Any county in red has Radon levels above 4.0 pCi/L, which is the EPA recommended action level. If you want to know what the Radon levels are in the area you live in, you can find your area HERE. You can find Radon levels for any county or town in Pittsburgh.
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Do you live in the South Hills of Pittsburgh? Some locations in South Fayette have Radon levels nearly 45% above the recommended action level. Radon levels in Peters Township have been as high as 28 times the recommended action level. All communities differ in Radon levels, with outliers reaching far higher and lower than the average. Our website provides data on Pittsburgh and the surrounding vicinity as a resource for you.
So how do you know if your home is one of the 4 out of 10 that has elevated Radon levels? The only way to accurately know is to have Radon testing done in your home, preferably done by a Radon professional. Radon professionals are trained and certified to test for Radon, and have machines that are far more accurate than anything you will find at your local store. You can certainly try to exterminate a bug problem in your home on your own, but if you want it done right and efficiently, you call a professional; Radon is not any different.
At Home Radon Pros, we strive to educate all local Pittsburgh communities on the dangers of Radon gas. We know you care about your family's health, and we want to help you keep them safe from this silent killer. The first step is to call a Radon professional to have your home tested for Radon. Radon testing is quick and affordable and you will typically get results within two days. If you do have your home tested, we encourage you to spread the word to your friends, family, and neighbors, so that they can also take the proper measures to protect their loved ones.
For more information on Radon levels in Pittsburgh, Radon testing, or other Radon services, please visit our website at https://www.homeradonpros.com. If you are interested in having Home Radon professional help you with Radon testing in your home, give us a call at 412-584-0799. You can also email zankail@homeradonpros.com. I would be more than happy to answer any of your Radon questions.