As a prospective homeowner, you have many things to worry about. The real estate agent has already mentioned the need to do a detailed home inspection, but have you considered adding radon testing to the list? There are professional services that can do radon tests for you, but what’s the fuss all about? In this post, we are answering some common questions related to radon testing.
What is Radon?
As some of the radioactive metals, such as thorium and uranium, break down under the surface, a gas is released, which is also radioactive. The gas is known as radon. People are usually exposed to radon as the gas makes its way into the house through gaps in the buildings.
How to Identify a Radon Problem
Because radon is produced naturally, it is not uncommon to get exposed to it as radioactive metals are found in nearly all types of soils. The gas, when released, moves upwards, and if there are gaps, cracks, and holes in the foundation, radon can get trapped inside, causing higher exposure. It is a common myth that radon is only found in old homes or buildings that have basements. It is also possible to get exposed to radon through well water.
Should You Worry About Radon Exposure?
Yes, radon exposure is linked to lung cancer, and there is sufficient data to support that. If the levels of radon are over above 4 pCi/L., remediation is necessary. Even if you already own a property, getting the radon levels checked is always a good idea, and as we mentioned, there are professional services that can do such tests for you. There are also short-term radon testing kids available.
How To Use Radon Testing Kits?
If you want to do a short-term test, get radon testing kits from the market. These are usually placed in the lowest levels of buildings, usually the first floor or the basement.
Can You Reduce Radon Levels At Home?
Yes, there are professional services that can help minimize radon levels in numerous ways. The first one is to use a sub-slab-depressurization system. With a radon mitigation system, radon is expelled from the soil into the environment through PVC piping and a fan. These systems can be installed without much change to the house. Sealing the existing cracks and openings can help but isn’t the only solution.
If you want to know more about radon mitigation systems, call an expert today.