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Radon Concerns after Earthquakes

September 16, 2013 By Doug Francis

Vienna Virginia earthquake damage

Lots of brickwork moved in Virginia during the earthquake of 2011

Two years ago I was sitting in my office when the whole building began to shake.

The ceiling panels were moving. The noise was getting louder.

Unsure, I stood in the doorway and then decided to get the heck outside!

That was August 23, 2011 around 1:45 in the afternoon, and the Washington D.C. region experienced a very strong 5.8 magnitude quake that lasted about 45 seconds. Maybe a small one for LA, but here in the land of brick, block and basements ~ it was historic.

Earthquake Damage to Real Estate

That night my wife said she thought our house in Vienna was about to fall down. Well, it might have because it is a brick home built in 1957… and brick and block foundations don’t like lateral movement.

In another Vienna neighborhood, a client’s brick chimney cracked in half and the neighbor’s chimney toppled over. Yikes!

EPA estimates that about 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. are radon-related.

We are still repairing structural damage today

Today there is still structural damage that exists in homes in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties. When you are buying a home your home inspector can see much of the foundation, but not all of it.

But there is a hidden danger that any home may now have an issue with ~ and that is elevated Radon levels. And Radon can get into your home right through a solid floor.

Have your home Radon levels measured again!

  • radon map virginiaFairfax County is a Zone 1 Radon Area
  • After cigarettes, Radon causes the most cases of lung cancer
  • Radon emits dangerous “Alpha Particles”
  • Around the world, countries are lowing scientifically “acceptable” levels of Radon
  • Remediation devices cost less than $1,000 and take four hours to install.

Radon remediation is one of the easiest “problem issues” to fix in your house according to the EPA. The problem after the earthquake is that many foundations developed new cracks which allow radon to enter the house (although it can still get in without foundation cracks because it is such a small particle). Since Radon is tasteless and won’t give you an illness like nausea or headaches, you really can’t be aware unless you conduct a test.

Essentially you will need to test the air you actually breathe on the lowest level of your house.

Radon occurs naturally thanks to Uranium which is underground and constantly breaking down. Best yet, Fairfax County Virginia is categorized as Zone 1 for elevated radon levels.

So it is a known fact that Radon exists in Fairfax County, that it emits alpha particles which are extremely harmful when inhaled, and that there was a strong energy earthquake in 2011.

Even if your radon level was tested prior to 2011 and it was normal, it is extremely important that you have your home tested again. Buy a kit from Lowes, or hire a professional ~ this is important health information to know.

Here are some helpful resources:

  • Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon

  • EPA on Radon (Rn)

  • EPA Consumer Guide to Radon Reduction

 Radon is a health issue for you ~ TEST

Okay, I know that I sound a little preachy here, but it is important that you know this information. If you have questions about who to call for a professional test then send me an email.

If we can prevent one case of lung cancer then this blog post served us well!

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Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: Radon

About Doug Francis

A Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug started writing a first-hand blog about his everyday real estate experiences a decade ago. In-depth, helpful and fun has always been the objective. Outside real estate, he was profiled in a commercial for Verisign's "Where the World Clicks" global ad campaign, and was quoted in Money Magazine's Best Places to Live article on Vienna (#3!). He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Vienna real estate agent Doug Francis

I’m so excited that you found me! Yes, this site covers real estate, but also a lot about lifestyle and  living in Vienna, Virginia outside Washington, D.C.

There is a lot of info here, and you can also contact me with any specific real estate questions. And, at home consultations are available too.

My background… I’ve been an active licensed agent in Virginia for 25 years, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the Town of Vienna tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Let me help you: Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 to discuss your plans. Cheers!

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About Doug Francis

I am a Realtor with TTR Sotheby's International Realty® just outside Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia. I have been a full-time Realtor licensed in Virginia since 1991, and cover a big territory specializing in the Vienna real estate market and custom homes for sale.

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