We are the company awarded the bid for the US EPA VOC abatement project in St. Louis Park, MN

WCCO  radon report:

http://wcco.com/iteam/radon.update.colorless.2.347002.html

 Recent article on women with high radon levels in home being diagnosed with radon induced cancer:  http://wcco.com/specialreports/lung.cancer.radon.2.370243.html

What is Radon?

Radon Risks & Health Effects

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas which comes from radium found in the ground everywhere. This gas collects in buildings and forms radon decay products which mostly attach to dust particles in the air. Inhalation of these radon decay products results in deposition of radiation energy (alpha particles) in surface tissues of the lung. This is the largest source of radiation dose to an average person and radon is a known cause of lung cancer in humans.

Radon is Known to Cause Lung Cancer in Humans

Radon is classified as a Class A known human carcinogen according to the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC 1988). This classification is based on the strong evidence of lung cancers in underground miners. Data from 11 studies of radon-exposed underground miners show that about 40% of the 2,700 lung cancer deaths which occurred among 65,000 miners are due to radon according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI 1995). Among never-smokers, 70% of the lung cancer deaths are believed to be due to radon and 39% of the lung cancer deaths in smokers. While there are many differences in radon exposure conditions between mines and homes, it is notable that persons living in homes with radon above the EPA action level of 4pCi/L could accumulate radon exposures similar to underground miners. Miner studies show a consistent linear no-threshold relationship between lung cancer and radon exposure down to radon levels commonly found in homes. Epidemiology studies on residential radon exposures are consistent with expectations based on the linear model. Therefore, the National Cancer Institute indicates that 10% of all lung cancer deaths in the U.S. could be due to indoor radon exposures, 11% of lung cancer deaths in smokers and 30% of lung cancer deaths in never-smokers. When differences between mine and home exposures are taken into account, we find that exposures above 4pCi/L represent substantially greater risks than allowed for any other source of radiation exposure.

Radon Testing is Encouraged for All Homes in the U.S

While only about 8% of the homes in the U.S. have radon levels in living areas above the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L, these homes cannot be found without checking all homes. AARST recommends testing of homes, schools, public, and commercial buildings in high radon areas as the first priority.However, since high radon levels have been reported in all areas of the U.S. by radon testing companies, the second priority is to encourage testing of all homes. This could be done over time as part of routine inspections for real estate transactions.

The Duration of Radon Exposure Should be Considered Before Taking Action

The risk of lung cancer from radon is related to both the radon level and the length of time one is exposed. Consequently, if the exposure time is short, even large radon concentrations may not contribute to significant risk. Therefore, radon testing should be done in that part of a building where people spend the most time. Also, since lung cancer due to radon exposures may require several decades to occur, older people should not have as much concern for reducing radon levels as younger people. A family with young children living in a home for many years may gain a greater benefit by reducing their radon exposures.  (from AARST website)

 How does radon enter a home?

Radon, because it is a gas, is able to move though spaces in the soil or fill material around a home's foundation. Minnesota homes tend to operate under a negative pressure - this is especially true in the lowest portions of the home and during the heating season. This negative pressure acts as a vacuum (suction) that pulls soil gases, including radon, into the lower level of the structure. Some causes of home vacuum are:

• Heated air rising inside the home (stack effect).
• Wind blowing past a home (downwind draft effect).
• Air used by fireplaces, wood stoves, and furnaces (vacuum effect).
• Air vented to the outside by clothes dryers and exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, or attics (vacuum effect).

Radon can enter a home through the floor and walls -- anywhere there is an opening between the home and the soil (see list of Major Radon Entry Routes below). Examples of such openings include dirt floor crawl spaces, unsealed sumps, cracks in slab-on-grade floors, utility penetrations, and the tiny pore spaces in concrete block walls. A basement, of course, provides a large surface area that contacts soil material.

 Major Radon Entry Routes

1. Cracks in concrete slabs.
2. Spaces behind brick veneer walls that rest on uncapped hollow-block foundations.
3. Pores and cracks in concrete blocks.
4. Floor-wall joints.
5. Exposed soil, as in a sump or crawl space.
6. Weeping (drain) tile, if drained to an open sump.
7. Mortar joints.
8. Loose fitting pipe penetrations.
9. Open tops of block walls.
10. Building materials, such as brick, concrete, rock.
11. Well water (not commonly a major source in Minnesota homes).

What happens after radon gets into the home?

Once radon enters a home it moves freely throughout the indoor air and people can breath it into their lungs. Understanding how it distributes through the home environment can help explain why timing and location are important factors to consider when conducting a radon test.

The level of radon is often highest in the lower part of the building. Radon moves through a house by diffusion and natural air movements and it can be distributed by mechanical equipment such as a forced-air ventilation system. As radon moves away from the home's foundation or other entry points, it mixes (and is diluted) into a greater volume of air. In addition, more dilution often occurs in the upper levels of the home because there is more fresh air ventilation there.

Greater dilution and less house vacuum may also occur when the house is more open to the outdoors during the non-heating season. This generally results in lower indoor radon levels in the summer compared to the winter.

How can I find out if my home has a radon problem?

Radon is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Therefore, a radon test is the only way to find out how much radon is in your home. Performing a radon test on your own is easy, inexpensive, and can be done privately. Every home is unique due to its local soil, construction details, maintenance and degree of depressurization. Therefore, test results from nearby homes cannot be relied upon to predict the radon level in another home. Likewise, previous test results may not reflect current and future radon levels for a home that has been remodeled, weatherized or had changes made to its heating, air conditioning or other ventilation systems such as exhaust fans.

The MDH recommends that all Minnesota homeowners test their homes for radon. The results of a properly performed radon test will help homeowners determine for themselves if they need to take further action to protect their family from the health risks of radon in the home.   indoorair@health.state.mn.us

 Click on the link below for testimonials from survivors of radon caused cancer

http://www.cansar.org/

Call Home Safety Solutions for Radon Testing by 

our State Certified Inspectors

Our company is listed with AARST

(American Association of Radon Scientologists & Technologists)  

find it at: http://www.aarst.org/member_lists.shtml - type in the box : 

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Radon Testers & Mitigators

Mold Testing & Remediation!

Your Indoor Air Quality Specialists!

 Specializing in Multi-family & Commercial

Home Safety Solutions Inc.

Andover, MN 55304

Call Now!  763-434-3263 

info@homesafetysolutionsinc.com

Radon is estimated to cause thousands of lung cancer deaths in the U.S. each year

EPA Recommends:

• Test your home for radon
• Fix your home if your radon level is 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher.
• Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a risk, and in many cases may be reduced.

Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas.

You can't see radon. And you can't smell it or taste it. But it may be a problem in your home.

Radon is estimated to cause many thousands of deaths each year. That's because when you breathe air containing radon, you can get lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.

Radon can be found all over the U.S.

Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon can be found all over the U.S. It can get into any type of building - homes, offices, and schools - and result in a high indoor radon level. But you and your family are most likely to get your greatest exposure at home, where you spend most of your time.

You should test for radon.

Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. EPA also recommends testing in schools.

You can fix a radon problem.

Radon reduction systems work and they are not too costly.  Some radon reduction systems can reduce radon levels in your home by up to 99%.  Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels.

How does Radon get into your home?

Any home may have a Radon problem

Radon is a radioactive gas.  It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. Any home may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.

Radon from soil gas is the main cause of radon problems. Sometimes radon enters the home through well water.  In a small number of homes, the building materials can give off radon, too. However, building materials rarely cause radon problems by themselves.

 

RADON GETS IN THROUGH: Cracks in solid floors Construction joints Cracks in walls Gaps in suspended floors Gaps around service pipes Cavities inside walls The water supply

Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the U.S. is estimated to have elevated radon levels. Elevated levels of radon gas have been found in homes in your state. While radon problems may be more common in some areas, any home may have a problem. The only way to know about your home is to test.

Radon can also be a problem in schools, daycare and childcare facilities, and workplaces in your area.

Radon Risk If You Smoke
 

Radon Level	If 1,000 people who smoked were exposed to this level over a lifetime*...	The risk of cancer from radon exposure compares to**...	WHAT TO DO: Stop smoking and...
20 pCi/L	About 260 people could get lung cancer	250 times the risk of drowning	Fix your home
10 pCi/L	About 150 people could get lung cancer	200 times the risk of dying in a home fire	Fix your home
8 pCi/L	About 120 people could get lung cancer	30 times the risk of dying in a fall	Fix your home
4 pCi/L	About 62 people could get lung cancer	5 times the risk of dying in a car crash	Fix your home
2 pCi/L	About 32 people could get lung cancer	6 times the risk of dying from poison	Consider fixing between 2 and 4 pCi/L
1.3 pCi/L	About 20 people could get lung cancer	(Average indoor radon level)	(Reducing radon  levels below 2 pCi/L is difficult.)
0.4 pCi/L	About 3 people could get lung cancer	(Average outdoor radon level)
Note: If you are a former smoker, your risk may be lower. * Lifetime risk of lung cancer deaths from EPA Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R-03-003). ** Comparison data calculated using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 1999-2001 National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Reports.

Radon Risk If You've Never Smoked
 

Radon Level	If 1,000 people who never smoked were exposed to this level over a lifetime*...	The risk of cancer from radon exposure compares to**...	WHAT TO DO:
20 pCi/L	About 36 people could get lung cancer	35 times the risk of drowning	Fix your home
10 pCi/L	About 18 people could get lung cancer	20 times the risk of dying in a home fire	Fix your home
8 pCi/L	About 15 people could get lung cancer	4 times the risk of dying in a fall	Fix your home
4 pCi/L	About 7 people could get lung cancer	The risk of dying in a car crash	Fix your home
2 pCi/L	About 4 person could get lung cancer	The risk of dying from poison	Consider fixing between 2 and 4 pCi/L
1.3 pCi/L	About 2 people could get lung cancer	(Average indoor radon level)	(Reducing radon levels below  2 pCi/L is difficult.)
0.4 pCi/L		(Average outdoor radon level)
Note: If you are a former smoker, your risk may be higher. * Lifetime risk of lung cancer deaths from EPA Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R-03-003). ** Comparison data calculated using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 1999-2001 National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Reports.

It's never too late to reduce your risk of lung cancer.  Don't wait to test and fix a radon problem.  If you are a smoker, stop smoking.

http://www.epa.gov 

Why Choose Home Safety Solutions?

• HSS is certified in Radon testing & Mitigation and Mold Measurement & Remediation
• We work with new construction and existing homes
• We work with foreclosed properties where mold has started to grow because of the homes being closed up. We can take care of the mold problem and make the home livable again.
• Twin cities area is in the highest area for potential Radon exposure
• Radon affects all styles and ages of homes
• We can test your home for Radon, Help you control the Radon levels, and test periodically to keep your home and family safe from Radon

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LET THE PROS HANDLE...

RADON This odorless, colorless, tasteless gas is emitted by decayed rocks and soil and can enter homes through small openings, such as cracks in the basement floor. Frightening find: It's the second leading cause of lung cancer in the country-and the EPA estimates that one in 15 U.S. homes contain a high level of the gas. If you haven't already, get your home tested.

 (Taken from the April, 2007 Good Housekeeping magazine)

  

Indoor Air Quality Specialists!

CALL NOW for Radon Testing by our

State Certified Inspectors!

Mold Testing & Remediation done by certified professionals!

DON'T WAIT UNTIL IT'S TOO LATE!

Home Safety Solutions Inc.

763-434-3263

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