Radon Mitigation For Homes
Radon is an odorless, colorless, tasteless radioactive gas that forms naturally from the decay of radioactive elements, like uranium, found in rock and soil. It can move into the air and into water, so it is present both indoors and outdoors. It can be found in water from underground sources, like well water, and at higher levels in the air in buildings. As radon in the air breaks down, they give off radiation that can damage the body?s DNA. Most people who are affected by unhealthy levels of radon were exposed to it in their home, school, or workplace. It enters through cracks in the floor or walls, gaps in foundations around pipes and wires, and is especially prevalent in crawl spaces and basements. Approximately one in fifteen homes in the U.S. is estimated to have radon levels at or above the EPA action level. No matter how one is exposed, though, high levels of radon in the body can cause serious health problems, particularly cancer.
The U.S. Surgeon General?s Office and the Environmental Protection Agency estimate that as many as 20,000 deaths each year are caused by lung cancer related to radon. In fact, according to the Surgeon General, radon is currently the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. However, it is possible to reduce radon levels in any building ? many methods of radon mitigation are available, and can be administered by an experienced radon mitigation company.
A radon mitigation company will have several methods for lowering radon levels in your home. Some techniques can actually prevent radon from entering your home, but for the most part, they reduce radon levels. Start with radon testing and inspection in order to determine what methods are best suited to your needs. Residential radon testing service professionals stay up to date on the latest and safest techniques.
Often, a simple system, sub-slab depressurization, that utilizes underground pipes and an exhaust fan, may be enough. Another similar method, active soil depressurization (ASD) is both reliable and cost-effective. ASD extracts the radon soil gas from under the foundation and blows it outside of the building, far enough away that it cannot get back in.
Another area of attention for your radon mitigation company will be cracks and other openings in the floors and walls, any little place where radon can sneak in. Radon gas testing will reveal these places, and your contractor will be able to seal those places. However, sealing is simply a first step. While it prevents further seepage, the EPA recommends combining it with further measures to remove the radon already in your building.
A local radon mitigation company should be a state or nationally qualified contractor. They will install the chosen system according to legal standards, and use approved methods. In addition, the radon testing contractor will want to know any information you can provide about the construction of the building, recent repairs, and plumbing issues. No matter the case, an expert radon mitigation company will design a plan that covers all potential issues.
