Exposure to radon, an invisible and odorless gas, poses a serious health risk, impacting a person’s well-being within various settings, including homes, offices, and schools. Recognizing the potential risks associated with radon gas is the first step to ensure you’re protected. This article outlines comprehensive steps to reduce your exposure to radon. From understanding the risks and evaluating radon levels to choosing a certified mitigation company and maintaining mitigation systems, there are numerous steps you can take to protect your health.
Exposure to radon can be reduced by following these steps.
1. Learn about the risks of radon gas exposure.
Radon is an invisible and odorless gas which remains undetectable unless specifically tested for. This toxic gas emits alpha radiation, which can negatively impact your lungs’ health. Various settings, including homes, apartments, office buildings, and schools, may be susceptible to radon presence. Some areas are more prone to radon problems including basements, crawlspaces, and slabs. While certain parts of the country exhibit higher radon levels, no area can be deemed entirely “clear” of this hazardous gas. Moreover, radon levels tend to be higher during the winter months.
2. Evaluate the radon levels in your home.
Getting your home tested for radon by a professional and certified team will provide you with the most accurate assessment of radon levels in your home. You can also purchase a DIY radon test kit. Contact our team of experts at Protect Environmental for radon testing, or purchase a radon test kit with our partners at RAdata.
3. If radon tests are high, contact a certified radon mitigation company.
If your radon results from a DIY testing kit are high, choosing a reputable radon contractor is crucial for effective radon mitigation. You can start by looking at their reviews on accredited review sites to gauge the experiences of previous clients. Verify that the company is appropriately licensed and insured for your specific area, ensuring compliance with local regulations. Confirm the legitimacy of their local office by conducting a web search of the provided address. This research can help in making an informed and reliable choice when choosing a radon mitigation company.
4. Prepare your home for the radon system installation.
Locate and remove stored items from cracks in the concrete floors before sealing. If you have an older sump pump, consider replacing it with a newer model before the radon technician seals it with a sump lid. Identify crawl space areas and make sure the radon mitigation team will be sealing the crawl space to mitigate radon gas.
5. Re-test to ensure you’re protected.
It is advisable to conduct radon retesting every two years, covering various seasons to capture potential fluctuations. Radon levels can vary throughout the year, for example during colder months radon levels are higher, so periodic retests offer a comprehensive understanding of radon exposure. Additionally, it is worth considering the use of a long-term radon test kit as part of a proactive approach to monitoring and ensuring the ongoing safety of a building. It is essential to prioritize lower radon levels, as they contribute to a safer indoor environment.
6. Maintain your radon system.
Make it a habit to check your radon system vacuum gauge often. Identify and seal any new cracks in your concrete floors to make sure radon gas doesn’t enter your home through these cracks. Maintain a proper seal over your sump. Inspect your crawl space membrane (if applicable) for rips and tears.
Luckily, if radon gas is present in your home, radon mitigation systems do an excellent job of reducing your exposure to it. If you want peace of mind knowing what the levels of radon gas are in your home, or if you want to buy a DIY test kit from our partners, please feel free to contact us.
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