If you’re not familiar with radon, it is a natural, radioactive gas that is both odorless and scentless. It can be found in most soil, and can enter your home through the foundation, according to the Unites States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA).
Once radon is inside your home, it can become trapped and build up. This can have adverse effects on indoor air and water quality and be detrimental to your and your family’s health.
The US EPA also states that any type of home can have an issue with radon. This includes homes with and without basements as well as old homes and new construction.
In addition to being present in soil, which is considered to be the main source of issues, radon can also enter homes through well and groundwater. The US EPA states that radon can also be present in certain types of building materials.
Both the US EPA and the Surgeon General’s Office claim that radon is known to cause lung cancer. Furthermore, on an annual basis, they estimate there are 20,000 deaths associated with radon. The Surgeon General’s Office has also reported that radon is the second leading cause of this type of cancer.
Were you aware that January is the National Radon Action Month? According to the US EPA, the purpose for designating an entire month for this is to accomplish the following goals:
- To increase public awareness
- To promote testing and mitigation
- To develop radon-resistant construction practices
There is also a Radon Action Week held during the third week of October, according to the US EPA. Many communities focus on becoming better informed so they can take the appropriate action steps. Topics discussed include indoor air quality.
The only way to know whether or not there is radon present is to test for it. You can take action by contacting a local radon testing company. A qualified radon testing contractor can come to your home in order to provide testing, mitigation, and abatement services.
If there is radon found in your home, the US EPA’s 2016 Consumer’s Guide to Radon Reduction: How to Fix Your Home outlines several methods that may be used to lower radon levels. These include techniques that prevent radon from entering your home as well as those which can reduce existing levels.
When you contact a local radon testing company, a qualified contractor will know which methods to utilize. According to the Consumer’s guide to Radon Reduction: How to Fix Your Home, your home will generally have one or more of three different types of foundations. These include the following foundation designs:
- Basement
- Slab-on-grade
- Crawl space
A local radon testing mitigation and abatement service will determine if more than one type of radon reduction technique needs to be used. Some homes, according to Consumer’s Guide to Radon Reduction: How to Fix Your Home, may need a combination of methods in order to reduce radon levels below 4pCi/L.
Since January is Radon National Action Month, it’s important to take action now. When you contact a local radon mitigation and abatement company to determine whether or not radon is present in your home, they can provide recommendations to assist you with improving the indoor quality of your air. Furthermore, this is an important step to avoid potential health risks such as cancer.