The Dangers of Radon is nothing to Ignore.
We hear all the time about the dangers of the scary invisible gas that is carbon monoxide, but there is another similar silent threat that is actually more of a problem. Radon is an invisible radioactive gas that seeps into homes through foundation cracks, basement floors, and slab homes. It causes 100 times more deaths than carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Radon is emitted by underground sources of uranium and can reach harmful levels if trapped indoors. Every home has radon levels but, about one in 15 homes in the United States have a high radon level that would require a mitigation system to reduce the radon level to a safe level. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking, and about 20,000 people in the United States will die every year due to breathing too much radon without even knowing it.
Prevention
To heighten awareness of that potential danger, the EPA has designated January every year as National Radon Action Month. It's remarkably easy to protect our loved ones by testing for radon and building new homes with radon-resistant features. These new features will allow everyone to breathe freely and safely, to ensure a healthier life free of radon. The first step in protection is to test your home for radon. It is easy and inexpensive to do, only taking a few minutes. You can purchase a home radon test through most hardware aisles or your state’s department of health.
What if my radon levels are high?
The EPA urges those who find levels at or higher than 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air to take action. A venting system should be installed by a qualified radon mitigation contractor. Beware that DIYing this job could actually lead to higher levels of radon. During construction of new homes, it's easy to include radon-resistant features. Don’t think just because your home is new that it won’t be at risk. Home buyers should ask for these during the new construction phase of the building. It is also recommended that new home buyers ask their builder to test for radon gas before they move in. Over the past 20 years, radon preventive actions have saved about 6,000 lives, according to the EPA studies, which wants to double that number over the next five years. We do too! Do you suspect radon? Have Inspector Chris come out! We can test, find solutions if problems are apparent, and talk about preventative measures.