Radon is an invisible, odorless radioactive gas that occurs naturally in the environment. It’s a health hazard as it is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Radon can enter the home through openings and rise to dangerous levels. Given the physical characteristics of radon, the only way to detect its presence is to test for it. Radon testing can accurately measure radon levels in the home. High levels of radon can be lowered using mitigation systems. Therefore, If you’re a homeowner, testing for radon should be high on your list of priorities. Not only is it essential to protect your family from the health risks associated with exposure to this gas, but it’s also relatively easy and inexpensive to do. Here’s everything you need to know about testing for radon and mitigating the risk of exposure in your home.
What is Radon, and where does it come from?
Radon gas is formed from the natural breakdown of radioactive metals in soil, rocks, and groundwater. Radioactive metals that form radon include uranium, thorium, and radium. Radon does not pose much of a threat outdoors as it evaporates once formed. However, it can become concentrated in the home, and prolonged exposure can cause adverse effects on the body. Radon enters the home through cracks and other openings. The home traps the radon inside, and it can become concentrated.
Health risks associated with radon exposure
Prolonged exposure to high levels of radon can lead to lung cancer. The CDC lists radon as the second leading cause of cancer after smoking; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated that 21,000 deaths are attributed to lung cancer. Regular exposure to high radon concentrations may even double the risk of developing lung cancer. It is estimated that 1 in every 15 homes in the USA has high radon levels. Fortunately, there are actions you can take if you’re looking to reduce your risks and radon exposure. It pays to be aware so that we can live healthy lives!
How to test your home for radon
The only way to detect the presence of radon in your home is to test for it. In addition to a home inspection, we encourage potential homeowners to test their new homes for radon. The EPA recommends repeating this test every two years. Radon tests can be categorized as active or passive. Passive tests are small and do not require a power source. They are placed in a suitable location in the home, collect data, and are sent to a lab for analysis. Active tests require a power source. Continuous radon monitors are the most common type of active test. At Snead Home Inspections, we use only CRM tests. Our radon test data includes hourly radon levels and the average over 48 hours. CRM tests tend to be more reliable, Radon levels are measured in pCi/L. The EPA sets the radon action level at 4.0pCi/L. This means that it is recommended that measures are placed to mitigate the radon levels in the home.
Ways to help mitigate radon
If you have a radon test indicating that your levels are above the action level, you should strongly consider mitigation. The good news is mitigation has been proven to reduce radon levels in the home successfully. One should always work with a licensed contractor. To learn more about selecting a contractor, read our blog post here. The EPA’s consumer guide to radon mitigation is an excellent resource.
Useful Radon Resources
If you’ve tested for radon and it is present in your home, don’t despair! Many resources are available to help you understand the risks and determine how to solve the problem. These include:
• Local health department or energy office
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Professional contractors who specialize in radon mitigation
