You’ve inspected and evaluated all the areas of your home and are now satisfied that your home is a safe and maintained space.

Well, wait a minute, have you checked your house for radon?

No?

You really should, you know.

Why?

Well, you might not be aware, but radon is one colorless, odorless, and tasteless threat to your home that might be lurking before your eyes, and you might not even know.

Yes, a silent threat. And so, you need to understand the radon itself and its impact on your house.

This blog will provide you with radon awareness and what you need to know about radon.

Let’s start…

Understanding Radon Gas – Where Does It Come From?

Radon comes from the natural decay of uranium and radium found in nearly all rocks and soils. Radon enters buildings through gaps in the walls or floors and rises from the earth. Water from your home can potentially contain radon, especially if you reside in an area with higher radon levels. Plus, if you use groundwater as a main supply for your drinking water, then there’s a chance your house has higher radon levels, too.
Radon usually gathers in spaces that are in contact with the earth, such as basements, because (obviously) it comes from rocks and soils.

“I just bought a new house. Do I still have to worry about radon?”

Well, yes. Any building or house can have high levels of radon, doesn’t matter whether it is old or new. Even well-sealed and draft homes and homes that don’t have a basement can also face radon exposure.

The Impact of Radon

Radon is a radioactive gas with home radon risks associated with it. So, when you breathe it in, the radioactive materials eventually get trapped in your lungs. Later, these radioactive materials increase your risk of lung cancer. Yes, it is THIS hazardous. The worst part is that its effects are not felt right away; it might take years for the health problems to get noticed.

According to estimates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the reason behind 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the country annually.
After cigarette smoke, radon is the second most common cause of lung cancer death rates.
So, if you smoke and are exposed to radon, then you have a ten times increased risk of lung cancer from radon exposure as compared to non-smokers exposed to the same amounts of radiation.

Facts About Radon That You Need to Know

In Some Parts of the Country, Home Can Have High Radon Levels

Radon is present in every building but at relatively low levels. However, in some areas of the U.S., the homes might experience higher radon levels.

Now, how do we determine whether the house has high or low levels?

Well, it depends entirely on the type of ground. For example, the radon levels might be higher in areas that are rich in granite.

Some major areas in the U.S. that have higher radon levels are Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, etc.

Testing Radon Levels of your Home Is Easy

Testing for radon is an easy task. But we suggest that instead of DIY your radon tests, you hire a company that offers radon testing or inspection services.

While even if you choose to DIY then it’s not that hard.

You need to start with navigating radon maps provided for your area, and if you find out that you live in an area with higher radon risk, then get it tested. It is as simple as buying a radon testing kit and placing it in different rooms of your house.

You shall leave it there for about a month or so and later send it to the laboratory to get the calculated results. If the radon levels are high, you can take steps to mitigate and reduce radon exposure.

You Can Reduce High Radon Levels In Your Home

Yes, high radon levels are not a good sign in your home. But the good part is that it’s not like you can’t do anything about those high levels – you can definitely reduce them.

Now, you might be wondering, “How much will it cost?” Well, it depends on your home’s style and the radon level. So, it can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars.

One solution to dealing with high radon levels is either installing a small pump that gradually blows the air in or adding/replacing ventilation bricks outside walls.

Well, this might work for you, but again, getting professional help for radon mitigation should always be your first priority.

How Radon Is Measured?

We measure radon in pCi/L. If possible, indoor radon levels should not exceed 4 pCi/L. However, if the radon levels in your house fall between 2 and 4 pCi/L, you might want to consider taking action to reduce the radon exposure. To accurately determine the amount of radon in your house, radon testing typically requires a 48-hour duration, but it can also take up to 90 days.

Pro tip: Short-term tests can provide you with quick results; although they only take a few days, they might not be as accurate as long-term tests. So, you may conduct the 90-day test if you want an accurate reading, especially if you want to sell your house soon.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a colorless and odorless gas, radon poses a potential health risk when its high levels accumulate within your house.

By comprehending its sources, testing methods, and mitigation strategies, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your house.

This blog tends to provide you with radon awareness, emphasizing on the significance of regular radon testing, especially in regions with known geological factors contributing to higher concentrations.

By understanding radon gas, you can mitigate radon risks, ensuring that your home is structurally sound and free from this hidden threat.

Secure your home’s safety with AJF Engineering! As experts in radon inspection services, we offer comprehensive assessments to ensure your indoor air quality is at its best. Schedule your radon inspection today and gain peace of mind knowing your home is a healthy environment for your family. Trust AJF Engineering for excellence in radon detection and mitigation. Contact us now to prioritize your home’s well-being!