Radon: The Invisible Killer Lurking in Your Home
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It’s produced by the decay of uranium in soil, rocks, and water. Radon can enter buildings through cracks in the foundation, walls, or floors, and build up to high levels in the indoor air.
Because radon is invisible and odorless, homeowners may not be aware of its presence in their homes. It is important to test for radon levels in the home, especially if the home is located in an area with high radon levels - like Northern Virginia. If high levels of radon are detected, mitigation measures such as ventilation systems can be put in place to reduce radon exposure and lower the risk of lung cancer.
Radon: a common gas you never knew existed
Radon comes from the breakdown of uranium; a naturally occurring element that is present in small amounts in soil and rocks all over the world. Over time, it produces a series of radioactive decay products, including radon.
How does radon get into my home?
Radon gas is not chemically reactive and therefore does not easily bind to other substances. This means it can move easily through soil and rocks, allowing it to enter buildings through tiny cracks or pores in the building materials. And once it’s inside, it can accumulate to dangerous levels.
The concentration of radon in soil and rocks varies depending on factors such as the type of soil and rocks, the amount of uranium present, and the presence of other minerals that can affect radon production. Some areas of the world, including certain regions of the United States, have higher levels of radon in the soil and rocks, giving them a higher risk of dangerous levels of radon in buildings.
What are the health risks associated with radon?
When radon gas is inhaled, it can decay and release tiny radioactive particles, which can damage the cells that line the lungs. Over time, this damage can lead to the development of lung cancer. Radon-related lung cancer can occur in both smokers and non-smokers, but the risk is higher for smokers because smoking can also damage lung cells.
The health risks associated with radon exposure depend on several factors, including the level and duration of exposure, the person's smoking history, and other factors such as age, gender, and family history of lung cancer. The higher the level and duration of exposure, the greater the risk of developing lung cancer.
Testing for Radon
There are two main ways to test for radon in a home: do-it-yourself testing and professional testing.
Do-it-yourself testing kits are widely available and relatively inexpensive. These kits typically consist of a radon detector that is placed in the lowest level of the home, such as the basement or crawlspace, for a specified period of time, usually a few days to a week. The detector then needs to be mailed to a laboratory for analysis. The results of the test are usually available within a few days to a week.
Professional radon testing is typically more expensive than do-it-yourself testing, but it is generally considered to be more accurate. A professional radon tester will use specialized equipment to measure radon levels in the home. This can include continuous radon monitors, which measure radon levels over a period of several days, or grab sample tests, which take a snapshot of radon levels at a specific time.
Should you hire a professional or do it yourself?
It is recommended that homeowners hire a professional radon tester if they are buying or selling a home, or if they have tested for radon in the past and found high levels. Professional testing can also be useful if the home has a complicated foundation or if the homeowner is unsure how to interpret the results of a do-it-yourself test.
Ultimately, hiring a professional radon tester is the best way to ensure accurate and reliable results, which can help homeowners take steps to reduce their exposure to radon and protect their health. However, for a quick and easy estimate, a DIY can be an acceptable alternative.
Radon mitigation 101
Radon mitigation is the process of reducing radon levels in a home or building. The goal of mitigation is to reduce the amount of radon gas entering the home, and to ensure that the indoor air is safe to breathe.
Radon mitigation typically involves one or more of the following strategies:
Soil suction: This is the most common method of radon mitigation. A ventilation pipe is installed in the basement or crawlspace of the home, and a fan is used to draw radon gas out of the soil and vent it to the outside.
Sealing: Cracks and gaps in the foundation or walls of the home can allow radon gas to enter. Sealing these gaps and cracks can help to prevent radon from entering the home.
Ventilation: Increasing the ventilation in the home can help to dilute the concentration of radon gas. This can be done by opening windows or installing a ventilation system.
Radon-resistant construction: In some new constructions, radon-resistant features can be built into the home, such as a layer of gravel or a plastic barrier under the foundation to prevent radon gas from entering.
The specific method or combination of methods used for radon mitigation depends on the unique characteristics of the home and the level of radon present. It is important to hire a professional radon mitigation contractor to design and implement a mitigation system that is tailored to the home's needs.
After mitigation is complete, be sure to test the home again to determine if radon has been reduced to a safe level. Testing should be done at least every two years, or more frequently if the home has undergone renovations or other changes that could affect radon levels.'
What can I do to keep radon levels down myself?
Here are some tips for maintaining a safe radon level in your home:
Address any issues promptly: If you find that radon levels in your home are above the recommended level, take action to address the issue as soon as possible. Hiring a professional radon mitigation contractor to install a mitigation system can help to reduce radon levels and protect your health.
Increase ventilation: Increasing the amount of fresh air circulating in your home can help to reduce radon levels. Opening windows and doors, or installing a ventilation system, can help to dilute the concentration of radon gas in your home.
Seal any cracks or gaps: Cracks and gaps in your home's foundation or walls can allow radon gas to enter. Sealing these gaps and cracks can help to prevent radon from entering your home.
Consider radon-resistant construction: If you are building a new home, consider incorporating radon-resistant features into your design. This can include using materials that are less permeable to radon gas, or installing a passive radon mitigation system during construction.
Test your home for radon regularly: Testing your home for radon every two years is recommended, even if you have previously tested and found low levels. Radon levels can fluctuate over time, so regular testing is important to ensure that your home remains safe.
By following these tips, you can help to maintain a safe radon level in your home and protect your health.
Next steps: booking your radon test and additional resources
Here are some additional resources to learn more about radon:
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA provides information on radon, including how to test your home, how to mitigate radon levels, and how to find a qualified radon professional. Visit their website at www.epa.gov/radon.
American Lung Association: The American Lung Association provides information on radon, including the health risks associated with radon exposure and how to test and mitigate radon in your home. Visit their website at www.lung.org/radon.
National Radon Program Services: National Radon Program Services is a network of radon professionals who provide information on radon, including testing and mitigation services. Visit their website at www.radon.com.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC provides information on radon, including the health risks associated with radon exposure and how to test and mitigate radon in your home. Visit their website at www.cdc.gov/radon.
National Safety Council: The National Safety Council provides information on radon, including how to test your home and how to find a qualified radon professional. Visit their website at www.nsc.org/radon.
Need a radon test done in your home? Whether for real estate or for a bi-annual checkup Last Minute Radon can help. We’re licensed in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC and our rates start at just $99. Contact us to schedule your radon test today.