Radon Facts And Prevention
You’ve probably heard of radon – but do you know the facts?
First of all, what is radon? In layman’s terms, it’s a poisonous gas that is found in rock and soil. We know that radon has been linked with lung cancer – it is especially dangerous to smokers. Radon can seep into a home due to cracks in the foundation, loose connections between pipe connections, and even through building materials. Sometimes radon can enter your home through the water if you use a well.
Radon is odorless, invisible, and tasteless, which means it is impossible to detect without using the right equipment. While homes in certain areas of the U.S. have a higher potential for unsafe radon levels, every home needs to be inspected for this dangerous gas. If your home is found to have unsafe levels of radon, it will need to be treated! The type of home you live in will affect the kind of radon mitigation used and the cost. Some methods can be as simple as closing up cracks and implementing natural ventilation. If your home is built on a concrete slab, a technique called “sub-slab suction” may be used. Radon will be suctioned out from beneath your home using a pipe and a fan. Homes with crawlspaces may need fans installed to create the airflow needed to get rid of the poisonous gas.
If you’ve never had your home tested for radon, this is the time to do it. Visit our page on radon inspections for more information on this vital topic!