Are you familiar with the term Radon? You might be, it is one of the deadliest gas on this planet. As you know Radon is popular for its ability to cause cancer and each year thousands of deaths happen due to Radon. According to medical experts, Radon cause lung cancer in individuals. The thing is we can’t smell, taste, or see Radon but it is available in homes, offices, schools, etc. That’s why it is a must to get your home tested for Radon.
How Radon Forms?
The question of an hour is how Radon forms? Radon is a radioactive gas that usually forms after the breakdown of uranium in rocks, soil, and water, and further, it gets mixed in the air we breathe. So technically, it is available everywhere and that’s why there is an increased number of cancer cases these days.
We are sharing answers to common questions about radon.
- What exactly is radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas found in nature, with no color, odor, or taste. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 20,000 people die of lung cancer every year, because of potential exposure to radon. It is a serious health hazard, especially when someone is directly exposed to the gas. Radon is also one of the leading causes of lung cancer among non-smokers.
- Should you get your home tested for radon?
It is possible for radon to get into your home from the soil surrounding it. Homeowners are often shocked to find the presence of radon in wells. Getting your home tested for radon is a smart idea, even if you live in an area that’s not known for high radon levels. Radon gas can actually seep through cracks and make way into the foundation and walls, and given that there is no odor or color, it can be hard to detect. If you are buying a new home, ask the home inspector if the property has been checked for radon.
- What are other things to know about radon?
The biggest concern with radon is the lack of immediate health symptoms after exposure. There is no way you can know if there is radon gas in your home, unless you have checked. By the time someone is diagnosed with lung cancer, the symptoms may have worsened considerably. Studies show that at least one in four homes in the US have a higher level of radon gas. The current recommended action level at 4 pCi/L. Radon treatment doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated, and ideally, you should test your home for radon gas at least once every two to three years.
How to Overcome Radon-Related Issues?
The only way to get assured that you and your family won’t get the effect of Radon gas is through testing. Various authorities suggest individuals go for testing. It can be easily done in schools, homes, etc and the best part is testing is cheap and easy. There are two types of testing available which are classified as short term testing and long term testing.
Short-term testing lasts for 2 to 90 days and the devices which are preferred in this are charcoal liquid scintillation, charcoal canisters, electret ion chamber, alpha track, etc. Since the level of radon varies from season to season, these kinds of tests are less likely to tell the year-round average radon level compared to long-term testing.
Long-term testing lasts at a home for over 90 days and the devices used for this test are electret detectors and alpha track. This test will give an accurate result of the average radon level in the house.
Based on the test result you have to decide what kind of preventive steps you can take to reduce Radon levels. There are a few tried-and-true ways to decrease or minimize radon levels in your house such as a pipe system with a fan that sucks radon out of the house. Another proven way is the soil radon reduction system which is cost-effective and does not require major alteration in the home. Further, radon contractors are also used by many individuals.
The cost of eliminating radon in a house is determined by the construction method used and the severity of the radon issue.