Radon is so early 2000's, or is it?

So as a Plumber i have had many questions about Radon over the years. I have indeed put a few systems in myself, and have advised many homeowners about their existing systems.

So what is Radon? 

Radon is a radioactive gas that can seep up through the basement or crawlspace of your home. It is Naturally occurring. The claim is that its the second leading cause of Lung Cancer.

So knowing what radon is does not answer the question of whether or not you need a Radon system in your home.

In my area radon systems are a fact of the market. What do i mean by that? I mean that whether radon is a problem or not in your home, you will most likely be required to put a system in if you don't have one already. This is predominate in homes with basements, but I have seen it in many with crawlspaces as well.

So why am I talking about Radon? The systems are expensive, and most homeowners with a little you-tubing and research could legitimately install their own systems without to much of a problem, unless the Home inspection requires a certified professional does it. I would challenge you all however to take a look at what a certification really requires. I think you might be surprised to find its not much of a program.

So for those of you who have read my blog before and are now wondering where my unique point of view has gone, allow me to voice my professional opinion on the subject.

Radon is one of the modern "snake oil "sales pushes of our generation. it is founded in fear, and required by the market based on limited info. 

What do i mean? I mean that if your house is about to be tested for radon open the windows the day before the test. it WILL in almost all cases drop your radon levels to normal levels. Why? because every opening of a door or window naturally vents radon for the house. If i had a nickel for every existing radon system i have seen where the fan is not hooked up or turned off.... Most Homeowners see the pipe, hear its installed and think its doing its job.

Did you know that peach pits contain cyanide. They also contain some other things that some believe to help alleviate cancer. The point is that amount of cyanide is so small that you would have to eat a truckload all at once to be affected by it, but there are still people out there, who out of fear, will not eat a peach if the seed is "loose"inside because they know about the cyanide (peach pits are disgusting, by the way, and that's the sole reason i would never eat one).

So my point? Know why your putting something in your property. don't just follow the masses. Odds are you may not really need it, and only the informed buyer can make a case so as not to waste hundreds or thousands of dollars.