Having a high level of any radioactive substance in your home is certainly not good for you or your family’s health. However, homeowners across the nation may be unknowingly living with elevated radon levels in their homes. Radon can be dangerous to human health, and is even known to raise the risk of lung cancer.
How Can I Tell If My Home Has High Radon?
Of course, before you decide how to combat high radon levels, you’ll need to find out if this element is abundant in your home. The process of testing for radon is surprisingly straightforward.
The maximum amount of radon someone can safely live with in their home is unknown. Obviously, the goal should be to have the lowest possible radon levels achievable in your area. If your home’s radon level lies between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L, it’s a good idea to begin a mitigation strategy.
Many people choose to test the radon levels in their homes by purchasing a radon testing kit. After you’ve followed the instructions provided, you can send the test to the address provided and wait for your results. However, many people prefer to get immediate results by hiring a trained professional to test the house for radon.
Reducing Radon Levels
If the radon levels in your home are within or above the suggested risk levels, you should take steps to address the contamination. To do so, there are a few possibilities.
The best option is to hire a trained contractor to install a radon reduction system, sometimes known as a radon mitigation system. This method is recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A radon mitigation system can address radon in an existing home.
If you’re testing because you’re in the market for a new property, you can ask about radon-resistant home features. A house that has radon-resistant features can prevent the radioactive gas from entering the structure or at least minimize the amount of radon that seeps inside. If a home has radon-resistant features, it could save you money later on, as installing a radon reduction system can be a costly investment.
Are you interested in learning more about keeping your property safe from toxins, including radon? For more information, contact with us today.