You may have heard about radon, but if you’re like most of us, you don’t know all that much about it beyond the name. Radon is a gas that can’t be seen by the naked eye, and it also has no odor or smell. That’s what makes the gas so dangerous and the only way to know how much of it is in your home is to have it tested.
The most important thing to know about radon is that it has been linked to lung cancer. The EPA estimates that radon is responsible for “21,000 lung cancer deaths per year.” Hence the reason why it is so important to test your house to make sure it’s free of this dangerous gas. If you are looking to buy a house, you should have any potential purchase tested too.
How Does Radon Get in a Home?
Unless you live near a chemical or nuclear plant you’d probably never think to worry about a dangerous amount of radioactive gas contaminating your home. The truth is that radioactivity is more common than you might think. The EPA explains that “Uranium is commonly found in very small amounts in rocks, soil, water, plants, and animals (including humans).” As the uranium decays it releases radon, which can get into homes once it gets in the air.
Once airborne there are a number of ways radon can infiltrate a home. Cracks in walls, gaps between boards and a ny similar spaces can all act as gateways for the gas. If air is getting into your home then radon is most likely too. The question is whether the levels of radon present are acceptable or not.
Remember to Test
Because radon is invisible to the naked eye and completely odorless tests are needed if you want to make sure a house is safe. A level of radon 4 picocuries per liter or higher is unacceptable. If you find this in your home you should take immediate action. Please note that while 4 pCi/L is the government mandated maximum level of radon you should try to keep levels as low as possible. Any amount of radon in your home can cause health problems.
It’s not just important to check your current residence, it’s also essential that you make sure you know the radon levels of any home you are planning on buying. if you find that a home you’re looking at has an unacceptable level of radon contamination you should demand that the homeowners take action.
You should also know that radon testing usually isn’t included with most pre-home sale inspections. As a home buyer, you should make sure you request a radon test as part of the sales process.
Keeping Healthy
National Radon Program Services states that “Nearly one out of every 15 homes has a radon level the EPA considers to be elevated.” It’s a problem that far too many are unaware of. If you don’t know if your radon level is acceptable or not then it’s probably time to get your home tested. Radon testing is also an important but often skipped step in the home buying process If you’re planning on buying a home, make sure that it’s been tested before closing a deal.
When it comes to the health of your family, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain from radon testing.
We specialize in the following Huntsville Alabama Radon testing and mitigation services as well as mold and crawlspace services:
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