An Atherton family learned they have dangerous levels of radioactive radon gas in their home. Elevated radon has been found in a number of other Atherton homes as well. The soil in the area contains radium, which emits radon. The gas enters homes from the soil and concentrates indoors, especially during winter months.
Shortly after Kara Klonoff remodeled her kitchen, she heard reports of granite emitting radiation and radon. She immediately decided to have her granite tested. We were pleased to report that her Absolute Black granite emitted no detectable radiation or radon.
However, radon throughout the Klonoff home was 8 picoCuries/liter (pCi/l). That concentration is twice the EPA action level. Living in a home with 8 pCi/L of radon carries the same lung cancer risk as smoking 20 cigarettes a day.
When the Klonoffs bought their home three years ago, they requested the typical inspections. A property inspector checked the plumbing and wiring. The structure was inspected for termites. The roof and chimney were pronounced in good condition. However, their real estate agent never mentioned that a number of homes in the Atherton area have high radon.
Kara felt betrayed that her agent did not warn her about the radon. Scientists by training, both she and her husband were well aware of the dangers of breathing a radioactive gas. They understood that alpha particles emitted by radon are extremely damaging to the delicate tissue of the lung. Alpha particles can damage DNA, which in turn can initiate cancer. EPA believes there is no safe level of exposure to radon.
The tests that detected radon in Kara’s home were short-term tests, just four days long. She is doing a 3-month long-term radon test to confirm the initial results. She is also keeping her windows open whenever the weather is pleasant.
If the long-term test confirms that the home has elevated radon, Kara will proceed with radon mitigation. Sub-slab depressurization is a tested methodology for reducing radon in homes. A qualified radon mitigator can install the system in a few days.
Kara discussed her situation with the California Indoor Radon Program, and she is comfortable that the radon in her home can be reduced to acceptable levels. What she does not find acceptable is that her agent and her inspectors did not warn her about radon. She certainly does not find it acceptable that she and her family were exposed to elevated radon for three years without their knowledge.
Photo from EPA.
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