By Bonnie Roseman, July 28, 2018
Do you know what radon is? Do you know why you should care?
According to the World Health Organization, “Radon is a chemically inert, naturally occurring, radioactive gas. It has no smell, colour, or taste, and is produced from the natural radioactive decay of uranium which is found in rocks and soil”. Basically, the story goes, that a long, long time ago, there were floods carrying granite deposits that are still in the ground and granite is a big culprit when it comes to radon.
You can check your zip code on this radon map from the Portland Tribune, but keep in mind the level can vary from one home to the next. Sometimes the level can even vary in one residence over time, or when certain conditions change.
Due to limited time during real estate transactions short term tests are usually the starting point for discovery, but a long term test will give a more realistic picture. I am giving away a long term test kit. Click here to like this post on Instagram to get your name in the drawing.
EPA recommends you begin with a short term test for more immediate results. If your result is 4 pCi/L or higher, take a follow up test to be sure.
Depending on the results of your first test, follow up with either a long-term test or a second short term test. If your first test results are 4 to 8 pCi/L follow up with a long-term test. If your first test results are 8 pCi/L or above, follow up with another short-term test. If the average of your two short-term tests is 4 pCi/L or above, or the result of your long-term test was 4 pCi/L or above, fix your home. To learn more about how to fix your home, visit About Radon Mitigation.
If your test results are below the action level of 4.0 pCi/L, you may want to re-test in two to five years. You should test again if anything is done to the house that may change the air pressure like home renovation or the installation of new heating or air conditioning systems.
Why do you care what your radon level is in your home? Because radon is a leading cause of cancer. The good news is that having a mitigation system installed is totally doable and will not break the bank. Enter my drawing on my Instagram post by Sunday, August 5th for a chance to win a free test kit!
Bonnie Roseman
Principal Broker, Earth Advantage + ADU Specialist
Bonnie hit the real estate scene in Portland when Silence of the Lambs was killing it in the theaters, the Cold War was officially chilled and the national median sales price of a home was $120,000.
Since then, she's been delighted to assist clients in navigating the ever changing housing market: whether selling a first home or the family home, looking for a starter pad or a forever habitat, downsizing, resizing or buying and selling investment property.
Having a symbiotic connection with your real estate agent is key and will help ensure a great experience. Bonnie enjoys consulting with potential clients to discover their wishes and goals, confirming the right client-agent match.
Smooth transactions are the target; however, there can be unexpected bumps getting to the closing table. Bonnie excels at finding creative solutions to any mishegoss that pops up and she takes pride in an extremely low sale fail rate.
A little more about Bonnie: born in Philly, raised in Berkeley, mom to an incredible young woman; her home is filled with both furry and scaly creatures, the daily driver is all electric, equality is the only pathway; she's embraced veganism for the earth, the animals and her health.
Like credentials? Sweet, here you go:
- At Home with Diversity Certificate
- Earth Advantage Broker + ADU Specialist
- Senior Real Estate Specialist SRES)
- Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
- Five Star Professional Award (7 years)
- Member of the National Association of Gay and Lesbian Real Estate Professionals (NAGLREP)
- T: 503-515-5973
- bonnie@livingroomre.com
