Every homeowner should know about the dangers of radon. Radon forms naturally underground and is harmless outside, but high concentrations of it in your home can be dangerous. Over time and with enough exposure, radon can cause lung cancer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, radon exposure kills around 20,000 Americans each year. January is National Radon Action Month and a great time to test for radon in your home.
How Can I Tell if My Home has Radon?
Radon is an odorless, invisible gas that is formed when uranium breaks down in the earth. This gas can make its way into your home through porous concrete and open spaces between poorly-sealed floors and walls. If the gas is unable to escape, it accumulates to dangerous levels without any warning signs. The only way to know if there are harmful levels in your home is to test for radon.
What is the Best Way to Test for Radon?
There are DIY kits available to purchase, however, it’s best to hire a pro to test for radon. These kits take time, are sometimes hard to perform correctly, and have varying degrees of accuracy. The results you get from these DIY radon tests may not provide correct results.
Scheduling a professional radon test is the only way you’ll get accurate results that you can trust. A certified radon testing professional uses superior equipment to give you detailed results with no guesswork.
What Happens if Radon Levels are Elevated in My Home?
If radon levels are at 4 pCi/L in your home or higher, you should take the necessary steps to prevent radon from accumulating further. This may include repairing the foundation of your home and installing a radon mitigation system. A radon mitigation system uses PVC piping and fans to move the radon out of your home.
While radon sounds scary, remember that lung cancer occurs after long periods of exposure. It is not something to panic about, but it is critical that you take it seriously. The first step is to call a professional to schedule a radon test. Once you have your radon test results, you’ll either have peace of mind or the information you need to reduce radon levels and protect your family’s health.
North Point Home Inspections provides inspection services and radon testing to Atlanta and the surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule an appointment.