Radon gas

[89coupe]

I decided to install a Radon gas detector that pairs with my phone, so I can monitor levels.

It takes roughly four months to get enough data to give an accurate reading but so far the results are an eye opener.

The company I purchased the device from. https://airthings.com

[bjstare]

This is the way to go. I've got a similar device (different manufacturer, forget the one). It's good to be able to see the graphs and running avg, etc.

Found mine is higher than I'd like, but still averages under the high risk level on the long term.

[89coupe]

Here is a map that Airthings shares using data collected from all Airthings devices in Calgary and surrounding area.

[mikestypes]

I did the 90 day test last winter and got the Airthings Wave shortly after. The puck test came back at 595 in my basement. My Wave has been in our bedroom averaging 414 since September.

Radon West is coming Friday to do a mitigation install.

Home is in Strathcona Park.

[89coupe]

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I did the 90 day test last winter and got the Airthings Wave shortly after. The puck test came back at 595 in my basement. My Wave has been in our bedroom averaging 414 since September.

Radon West is coming Friday to do a mitigation install.

Home is in Strathcona Park.

Where do you have it sitting in your bedroom? Mine is in my basement currently, sitting 3’ off the floor in my utility room.

I live in Aspen.

[mikestypes]

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Where do you have it sitting in your bedroom? Mine is in my basement currently, sitting 3’ off the floor in my utility room.

I live in Aspen.

Just on a nightstand beside bed. Not an ideal location for most accurate measurement.

[redevil]

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I did the 90 day test last winter and got the Airthings Wave shortly after. The puck test came back at 595 in my basement. My Wave has been in our bedroom averaging 414 since September.

Radon West is coming Friday to do a mitigation install.

Home is in Strathcona Park.

I picked up a Safety Siren Pro Series 3 detector and my house is extremely high readings as well. Basement readings are 550+, I live in Evanston. Going to have to get estimates done for mitigation install here shortly.

mikestypes, what is Radon West quoting you to mitigate? Let me know how the install goes and if you recommend them as well.

[mikestypes]

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I picked up a Safety Siren Pro Series 3 detector and my house is extremely high readings as well. Basement readings are 550+, I live in Evanston. Going to have to get estimates done for mitigation install here shortly.

mikestypes, what is Radon West quoting you to mitigate? Let me know how the install goes and if you recommend them as well.

We spoke with a few companies and they were all in the $2500-2600 range for standard mitigation.

[bjstare]

Holy crap, 550+ is wild. Definitely a good idea to get mitigation done.

[vengie]

Noob homeowner question, but I hear about Radon all over the radio.

What exactly is the risk, and why is it suddenly becoming a large blitz?

[Tik-Tok]

Cancer risk, and money to be made off fears of cancer risk .

[Rarasaurus]

I installed my own as I thought $2g+ was a bit much. Fan - $120, Parts - $200, Drill and bit Rental - $100. All in I think under $500 and 4 hours of work. My readings were 180 to 220 before and after install under 20 at all times, averaging around 10, sometimes 5. $500 is cheap for peace of mind.

[revelations]

Yea I have an AirThings unit in my basement office as well - I have fresh outside air coming down there at all times as its quite warm with the monitors in the room. Readings have been below 50 the past 60 months.

[killramos]

My understanding of radon is mostly along the lines of the it’s products of radioactive decay being not only also radioactive, but forms particulates in physical form meaning if the decay happens in your lungs it solidifies and stays there where it will continuously irradiate your lungs. If anyone is acrually interested in the vector for radiation damage.

[speedog]

So what of the thousands of homeowners who don't worry about this stuff and are easily into their 60/70/80's in good health? Is this just another thing for some people to needlessly worry about?

I'm not trying to be flippant but I washed my hands with shit that's been banned now, played with mercury, siphoned gas the old fashioned way and I'm still kicking and in good health. Same goes for my parents who are into their 80's and all of my brothers who are in their 50's.

[Tik-Tok]

Houses are built more sealed than they used to be, hence the concern now compared to decades ago. I do agree though, I think the problem is overblown and just used as a money maker.

[dirtsniffer]

Holy the meter is $400. May as well through a few catch cans on the truck while I'm at it

[ExtraSlow]

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So what of the thousands of homeowners who don't worry about this stuff and are easily into their 60/70/80's in good health? Is this just another thing for some people to needlessly worry about?

I'm not trying to be flippant but I washed my hands with shit that's been banned now, played with mercury, siphoned gas the old fashioned way and I'm still kicking and in good health. Same goes for my parents who are into their 80's and all of my brothers who are in their 50's.

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Houses are built more sealed than they used to be, hence the concern now compared to decades ago. I do agree though, I think the problem is overblown and just used as a money maker.

The change in home construction is part of it. We get very little fresh air in our houses these days. Also, radon isn't going to give someone cancer in a day or a week or a month, but it does significantly increase the long term risk, and as a society, we've become more aware of reducing our risks from things like this. If you see no value, that's fine, others feel differently.

Also, anyone who already has a sump pump in their house, a DIY mitigation is pretty simple, and will absolutely help. Basically, you need to suck air from your sump, below a sealed lid, and exhaust it outside. The member above laid out the parts pretty well.

[J-hop]

Anyone know if these (airthings) have a shelf life? I assume at a certain point the sensor gets saturated and needs to be replaced/calibrated? Or no?

[lilmira]

from the website, it says 10yrs.