What Every Homeowner Needs to Know About Radon Testing
Radon gas is a naturally occurring gas that can be found in homes, schools, and workplaces. It is the second-leading cause of lung cancer, and it is important to have a radon test done to determine the level of radon in your home. In this blog post, we will discuss what radon is, why it is dangerous, and the importance of radon testing.
What is radon?
The breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water results in the emission of radon, which is a radioactive gas that is odorless, tasteless, and colorless. It is possible for it to build up to high levels in the air that we breathe and enter homes through gaps in the foundation, the flooring, or the walls.
Why is radon dangerous?
Radon gas is dangerous because it is radioactive and emits alpha particles that can damage the DNA in our lung cells. This damage can lead to lung cancer, and the risk of lung cancer increases with the amount of radon exposure. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that radon is responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States each year.
The Importance of Radon Testing
Home inspection specialists recommend radon testing as part of a comprehensive home inspection. Radon testing is important because it can help you determine the level of radon in your home and whether it poses a risk to your health. A radon test can be performed by a certified home inspector or by using a radon testing kit that can be purchased at a hardware store or online.
Certified Home Inspections for Radon Testing
Radon testing is not complete without first having a certified home inspector look at the property. You may get an accurate assessment of the radon concentration in your house by having a professional home inspector do a radon test and present you with the results. A qualified home inspector will also be able to identify potential sources of radon and make advice for minimizing the amount of radon in your house. Radon exposure can cause lung cancer.
What to Expect During a Radon Test
A qualified home inspector will bring a radon testing device into your house and leave it there for a period of at least 48 hours as part of a radon test. The testing gadget will offer an accurate measurement of the level of radon that is present in your home by measuring the level of radon that is present in the air. After completing the test, the inspector will provide you with a report detailing the findings as well as any suggestions for how the radon level in your house might be lowered.
Reducing the Level of Radon in Your Home
If the level of radon in your home is high, there are several steps that you can take to reduce the level of radon. Some of these steps include:
- sealing cracks and openings in your foundation and flooring.
- Installing a radon reduction system, such as a radon fan or ventilation system,
- Installing a passive radon mitigation system, such as a radon sump cover,
- Improving ventilation in your home by, for example, opening windows and using exhaust fans
The Importance of Regular Radon Testing
It is important to have regular radon testing performed in your home to ensure that the level of radon remains low and does not pose a risk to your health. Radon tests are recommended every two years by Home Inspection Specialists, or more frequently if the level of radon in your home is high.
Conclusion
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can be found in homes, schools, and workplaces. It is the second-leading cause of lung cancer, and it is important to have a radon test done to determine the level of radon in your home. Certified home inspections are an important part of the radon testing process and can provide you with an accurate reading of the level of radon in your home and any recommendations for reducing it. Regular radon testing every two years, or more frequently if necessary, is also important to ensure that your home remains safe and free of dangerous levels of radon gas. Protect your family’s health by having a radon test done today.
