What is Radon Gas?
Radon is a colorless, odorless, and naturally-occurring gas that can cause lung cancer. In the atmosphere, Radon is present in minor concentrations. Radon dissipates quickly and is generally not a health concern. The majority of radon exposure occurs in households, schools, and businesses. The Radon gas enters the house through flaws and cracks in the foundation and stays trapped inside. With proven and cost-effective techniques, the trapped radon gas can be managed and controlled.
Breathing radon over time raises your risk of developing lung cancer. In the United States, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. The EPA estimates that around 21,000 people die each year from radon-related lung cancer in the United States. Only smoking is responsible for more lung cancer deaths.
You can regulate and reduce the quantity of radon in your home. Radon levels can only be determined through testing. Test your home, either professionally or with a do-it-yourself home test kit. If your home has high radon levels, contact a licensed radon service professional to repair it. If values are at or above 4 picocuries/liter, the EPA recommends mitigation. Radon problems are typically resolved by installing an underground ventilation system or increasing the frequency of air changes in the building.
5 Reasons to Schedule a Radon Assessment Test
According to the EPA, one out of every five residences has increased radon levels. If that isn’t convincing enough to get your levels checked, check out the list of top reasons below!
● Radon Causes Severe Health Conditions
Your body absorbs radon through your breathing. The radon that builds up in the lining of your lungs over time from excessive breathing can emit radiation and potentially lead to lung cancer. Radon is the main contributor to lung cancer among non-smokers. Additionally, among smokers, it is the second-leading contributor to lung cancer after smoking. According to statistics, radon causes 12% of lung cancer cases in the US each year. Plus, new research links radon to other possible cancers in children, adults, and pets. You cannot afford to take this chance!
● It Makes the Sale of Your Home Easier
Testing for radon is frequently requested when selling a home. In fact, the EPA advises radon testing at the point of sale for every home. Promote a radon-free home in your real estate listing to reassure prospective buyers since they will probably request one as part of their home inspection. This basic test will be very helpful prior to a potential sale, especially in light of the risks associated with owning a property with undiagnosed radon. It’s easy: Test. Fix, if necessary. Sell the house.
● Radon Levels are Variable and Change Over Time
Radon levels fluctuate over time, just like houses do. Fluctuations in radon levels are common, particularly if your home has recently undergone construction, had heating or cooling system modifications, or had the foundation moved. It’s a good idea to get a new radon test if you haven’t done one in the last few years.
● Any Home Can Have a Radon Problem
Forget the claims you’ve heard about radon-free slab-built homes or that only older homes have radon. There is not any sort of radon-free guarantee, regardless of construction type, year of construction, or even location. Even two adjacent homes can have their radon levels differ significantly. Radon levels should be checked in every home.
● Missouri Homes Have High Levels of Radon.
Any home is prone to radon issues, but Missouri residences are very susceptible. Homes in Missouri, radon levels in St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson and many other counties are commonly above 4 picocuries. However, as many health physicists say, there is no amount of “good” radon and amounts fluctuate through the year, so we recommend taking action if any radon is found in your home.
It is time that you schedule a radon assessment test for your home today! The process of radon testing and mitigation is easier than it might seem. Through proper precautions and hiring a certified specialist like EnviroTech Radon Solutions you can make your home safer from Radon while keeping yourself and your family healthy. Improve the air quality of your home and continue with a healthier and cleaner life!