Checking for Radon: The Facts
Homeowners should get their properties tested for radon on the recommendation of the EPA, the FHA, and the CA Surgeon General. International agencies share the Canada’ assessment that radon poses a significant threat to public health. The World Health Organization and the Environmental Protection Agency have started the International Radon Initiative to educate people about radon and its dangers and encourage them to take measures to reduce their exposure to the gas. If you and your loved ones are at risk from radon exposure, arm yourself with knowledge.
Radon: what exactly is it?
The radioactive gas radon occurs naturally. Radon is an invisible gas produced when uranium decays; it has no smell, taste, or color. It is equally at home in the earth’s dirt, rock, or water. Lung cancer is more likely to develop in those who have been exposed to radon for lengthy periods, and this is particularly true for smokers.
Can I prevent radon from entering my house, and how?
Radon is present in the ground because it forms during the decay of uranium. Radiation from radon may seep into your home via the foundation’s cracks and crevices if it’s built above or near a uranium deposit. Depending on the layout of your property, radon gas may potentially enter via cracks in the foundation’s walls or floors, or through any uncovered drains in the basement.
The effects of radon on human health.
Twenty thousand fatalities a year in the United States are attributed to radon because of its association with an increased risk of lung cancer. Radon is a radioactive gas that contains particles that may be inhaled into the lungs, where they continue to disintegrate and deposit cancer-causing radiation.
How can I test the radon level in my house?
Home improvement businesses often have a variety of do-it-yourself kits. If you decide to go with this kind of test, you must follow the directions to the letter. Incorrect results will come from doing the test in any way other than what is specified on the box. A professional radon testing business is an option to consider as well. For reliable findings, check that the business you use has been approved by the National Radon Proficiency Program. These certifications, administered by the National Environmental Health Association, guarantee that the radon tester is up to the same requirements as those used by the EPA in its radon testing company.
What is the price range for radon testing?
The cost to get your house tested for radon may vary from about $10 for a do-it-yourself kit to well over $150 for a professional service.
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What should I do if radon is found?
Reducing radon levels is often not a DIY project. Experienced remediation businesses provide a range of techniques to radon-proof your house, and their work is typically guaranteed. One of the most common options for remedying major radon penetration is to install a depressurization system under your foundation, preventing radon from seeping upwards by reducing the pressure difference and releasing the radon securely outside your house.
How much will radon cleanup cost?
Depending on the amount of radon within your house, the degree of remediation work required, and the number of contractors in your region, costs may vary anywhere from $150 for simple sealing and caulking works to $800 or more for a basic depressurization system. Depressurization systems may vary greatly in price based on the size and location of your property, in some instances costing over $3000 for a professional installation.