Radon gas and house buying

ronnyb_2

I'm in the process of buying a house and the searches have revealed it's in an area where there is a 1% to 3% possibility of properties area being above the recommended limits for radon gas. For anyone not aware this stuff can seriously damage your health. After research on the net I've found out that the gas is emitted from the ground naturally due to the decomposition of limestone (I think) and only becomes a problem when it rises up through the floor of a property and the occupants are subject to lengthy exposure to it, it's radioactive. I've seen the radon atlas of the UK at my local town hall and it seems a greater part of the area in which I live is a radon 'hotspot' as are a good many other areas of the UK. I've also spoken to the radon hotline, a government sponsored help centre. They say it shouldn't deter you from buying any particular property as measures can be taken to eliminate or reduce the levels ie extra airbricks for ventilation or underfloor fans to dispel the gas. (But then they would wouldn't they) Properties can be individually tested but it takes 3 months to be monitored and we're moving out of our house in 2 weeks. It's also worth mentioning that the levels areas are rated on the possibility of finding this gas are 1% to 3%, 3% to 5%, 5% to 10%, 10% to 30% and 30% and above. Anybody else had this problem?

Gem_

Yes - the whole of torquay (and in fact much of Devon) is in a radon warning area. I reality the chances of there being a problem are very slim. If you are worried then really cheap things like fitting air bricks will generally be enough to solve the problem.

I am not saying that radon cannot be dangerous but radon warning are a bit like the phrase "some evidence of previous movement" which comes up in practically Every survey of old houses regardless of actual evidence.

Personally I look at all the household chemicals I use to do my cleaning etc and realise that they most likely have more cancer causing potential than the stone under my house.

Its up to you at the end of the day ...

HTH

G

jockettuk

my buyers had a enviromental report done on the house and it came up with radon.. he is now trying to lower the price lol.. when i checked it all out seems whoever did the report didnt even come to my property. they can do it from a few miles away.. The buyer is trying to scaremonger by saying oh it can cause lung cancer etc, but funnily he still wants to buy the property but at a much reduced price.. Ive told him im not moving price wise have already reduced it for him.. If he wants to pull out so be it..

Need_More_Money_2

ronnyb wrote:

I'm in the process of buying a house and the searches have revealed it's in an area where there is a 1% to 3% possibility of properties area being above the recommended limits for radon gas. For anyone not aware this stuff can seriously damage your health. After research on the net I've found out that the gas is emitted from the ground naturally due to the decomposition of limestone (I think) and only becomes a problem when it rises up through the floor of a property and the occupants are subject to lengthy exposure to it, it's radioactive. I've seen the radon atlas of the UK at my local town hall and it seems a greater part of the area in which I live is a radon 'hotspot' as are a good many other areas of the UK. I've also spoken to the radon hotline, a government sponsored help centre. They say it shouldn't deter you from buying any particular property as measures can be taken to eliminate or reduce the levels ie extra airbricks for ventilation or underfloor fans to dispel the gas. (But then they would wouldn't they) Properties can be individually tested but it takes 3 months to be monitored and we're moving out of our house in 2 weeks. It's also worth mentioning that the levels areas are rated on the possibility of finding this gas are 1% to 3%, 3% to 5%, 5% to 10%, 10% to 30% and 30% and above. Anybody else had this problem?

It isn't really likely to be a danger to your health, but I guess it could put off future buyers should you wish to sell. This all stems from the public fear of radiation. We are all exposed to natural radiation, but is some areas (like Cornwall) the natural radiation levels are higher, due to radon gas.
Theoretically, increases in radiation dose are supposed to increase the risk of cancer, however there isn't really any evidence to support this. At very high radiation doses we know that the risk of cancer is increased. There is no evidence of increased risk at low doses, but an assumption is made that the risk is linear with dose and a theoretical risk calculated for low doses (this is VERY bad science). If the risk does exist, it would be tiny compared to the 1 in 3 risk that we all have of developing cancer. Interestingly, studies have shown that areas with high natural background have a LOWER incidence of cancer, but this is a hard thing to study as there are so many other factors to consider.
Personally, it wouldn't bother me in the slightest, but you have to consider that others might be worried by it if you plan to sell in the future

Dora_the_Explorer_5

A possibility is not the same as the degree of probability. Ask what the degree of probability is and you will then have hard scientific facts with supporting evidence.

jockettuk

Dora_the_Explorer wrote:

A possibility is not the same as the degree of probability. Ask what the degree of probability is and you will then have hard scientific facts with supporting evidence.

your quite right..if they want to pull out of buying my house so be it but i wont be scared into thinking oh my god everyones going to die lol.. will wait and see what he says next week. Thanks

Need_More_Money_2

jockettuk wrote:

The buyer is trying to scaremonger by saying oh it can cause lung cancer etc, but funnily he still wants to buy the property but at a much reduced price.. ..

Research in the US has shown that the states with the highest radon levels have the lowest incidence of lung cancer