Additional Health and Family Worry Questions

Question 1

My child's school is in a building with radon. The principal says the levels are acceptable. How do I know if that's true?

Accepted Answer

Illinois has specific rules for radon measurement and mitigation work, so the safest public answer is to keep this practical. Use properly licensed radon professionals, keep clear records, and rely on a current radon result when deciding what to do next. If the result is elevated or confusing, Bill can explain what mitigation would involve and how a properly installed system should be approached.

Question 2

Our radon is 6.0 pCi/L and we're thinking of selling rather than mitigating. Is that the right decision?

Accepted Answer

For the radon side, focus on a reliable current reading and a clear mitigation path if the level is elevated. Real-estate paperwork, repair allowances, rental responsibilities, and closing decisions should be handled by the people managing the transaction. Bill can help with the practical radon part: what the number means, whether mitigation makes sense, and what a proper system would involve. If the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home. Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, EPA says to consider mitigation, especially if the space is used often.

Question 3

We found out radon is 5.5 pCi/L in the basement after buying our house. We feel deceived. What are our options?

Accepted Answer

For the radon side, focus on a reliable current reading and a clear mitigation path if the level is elevated. Real-estate paperwork, repair allowances, rental responsibilities, and closing decisions should be handled by the people managing the transaction. Bill can help with the practical radon part: what the number means, whether mitigation makes sense, and what a proper system would involve. If the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home. Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, EPA says to consider mitigation, especially if the space is used often.

Question 4

My wife is afraid that telling friends our radon is elevated will make our house harder to sell someday. Is she right?

Accepted Answer

For the radon side, focus on a reliable current reading and a clear mitigation path if the level is elevated. Real-estate paperwork, repair allowances, rental responsibilities, and closing decisions should be handled by the people managing the transaction. Bill can help with the practical radon part: what the number means, whether mitigation makes sense, and what a proper system would involve. If the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home. Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, EPA says to consider mitigation, especially if the space is used often.

Question 5

My radon is 6.0 pCi/L. My neighbor thinks we should all sue the builder because they didn't disclose radon potential. Is that realistic?

Accepted Answer

For the radon side, focus on a reliable current reading and a clear mitigation path if the level is elevated. Real-estate paperwork, repair allowances, rental responsibilities, and closing decisions should be handled by the people managing the transaction. Bill can help with the practical radon part: what the number means, whether mitigation makes sense, and what a proper system would involve. If the reading is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, EPA recommends fixing the home. Between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, EPA says to consider mitigation, especially if the space is used often.