Homes all over the United States contain unsafe levels of radon. The EPA estimates that radon causes thousands of cancer deaths each year. This article explains how to protect your family from radon in the home.
Where Does Radon Gas Come From?
Radon comes from the natural breakdown of radioactive elements, like uranium, in the soil. Radon is odorless and colorless, so you may never know that it’s a problem in your home until you or one of your family members gets sick.
Radon builds up in a building when it enters through areas like foundation cracks, gaps around pipes and wiring, and other openings. Once inside a house, it cannot easily escape and the levels accumulate. Some regions around the country are known to have higher concentrations of radon than others, but no place is immune to it.
How Do You Test for Radon in the Home?
The EPA recommends that every home should be tested for radon. While you can purchase a DIY radon test, the best option is to hire a professional home inspector to administer the test. To get the most accurate results, keep the windows and doors closed before and during the testing period.
What To Do About High Levels of Radon Gas
There are solutions for homes with high radon gas levels. These methods include sealing cracks in the foundation and installing a mitigation system with a vent pipe and fan. A professional can recommend the best mitigation tactics for your home and install a custom radon mitigation system.
Radon can also enter a home through well water. Drinking water tainted with radon is unhealthy and may cause cancer. If you have a well, have your water tested for radon.
Working with a professional is the most effective way to detect and reduce radon in your house.
District Home Inspection provides home inspection services and radon testing to the Washington DC Metro area. Contact us to schedule our services.