Radon gas is an odorless, tasteless gas that can be harmful to your health. It is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into your home through cracks in the foundation or walls. The good news is that you can take steps to mitigate radon gas in your home. In this article, we’ll provide you with an ultimate guide on how to get rid of radon gas.
What is Radon Gas?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It is invisible, odorless, and tasteless, making it difficult to detect. Radon gas can seep into your home through foundation cracks, dirt floors, and walls. It can also enter through well water, although this is less common.
Why is Radon Gas Dangerous?
Radon gas is dangerous because it can cause lung cancer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after smoking. Radon gas decays into radioactive particles that can get trapped in your lungs when you breathe. These particles can damage lung tissue and lead to cancer over time.
How to Test for Radon Gas
If you’re concerned about radon gas in your home, the first step is to test for it. You can purchase a radon test kit online or through a hardware or home improvement store. There are two types of radon test kits: short-term and long-term. Short-term test kits are designed to be used for a period of 2-7 days, while long-term kits are designed to be used for 90 days or more.
To take a short-term test, you’ll need to place the test kit in the lowest living area of your home, such as a basement or first-floor bedroom. You’ll then need to follow the instructions for the test kit, which will usually involve leaving the windows and doors closed for the duration of the test.
To take a long-term test, you’ll need to place the test kit in the lowest living area of your home and leave it in place for at least 90 days. You should keep the windows and doors closed as much as possible during the test period.
How to Mitigate Radon Gas
If your home has high levels of radon gas, there are steps you can take to mitigate it. Radon mitigation involves reducing the concentration of radon in your home to a safe level.
Fix Your Foundation
One of the most common ways radon gas enters your home is through cracks in the foundation. If you have cracks in your foundation, you’ll need to have them sealed. This can involve injecting sealant into the cracks or installing a ventilation system under your home.
Improve Ventilation
Improving ventilation in your home can help reduce the concentration of radon gas. This can involve installing a ventilation system or using fans to circulate air in your home.
Use a Radon Mitigation System
A radon mitigation system is a system that is designed to reduce the concentration of radon in your home. There are two types of radon mitigation systems: active and passive. Active systems use a fan to draw radon gas from under your home and expel it outside, while passive systems rely on natural air flow to reduce the concentration of radon gas.
How to Choose a Radon Mitigation Professional
If you’re not comfortable mitigating radon gas yourself, you can hire a professional to do it for you. When choosing a radon mitigation professional, look for someone who is certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB). You should also get estimates from several professionals and ask for references from previous customers.
How Much Does Radon Mitigation Cost?
The cost of radon mitigation can vary depending on the severity of the radon gas in your home and the method of mitigation used. According to the EPA, the average cost of radon mitigation is $1,200. However, the cost can range from $500 to $3,000.
Conclusion
If you’re concerned about radon gas in your home, it’s important to test for it and take steps to mitigate it if necessary. This can involve fixing your foundation, improving ventilation, using a radon mitigation system, or hiring a professional. By taking these steps, you can reduce your risk of lung cancer and protect your health.
Common Questions About Radon Gas
- What are the symptoms of radon poisoning? There are no immediate symptoms of radon poisoning. Over time, exposure to radon gas can lead to lung cancer.
- Can radon gas cause lung cancer? Yes, radon gas can cause lung cancer. According to the EPA, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after smoking.
- What is a safe level of radon gas? The EPA recommends that homes with radon gas levels above 4.0 pCi/L be tested and mitigated. However, some experts believe that a level of 2.0 pCi/L or lower is safer.
- What should I do if my home has high levels of radon gas? If your home has high levels of radon gas, you should take steps to mitigate it. This can involve fixing your foundation, improving ventilation, using a radon mitigation system, or hiring a professional.
References:
- Environmental Protection Agency. (2021, April 22). Radon. EPA. https://www.epa.gov/radon.
- National Radon Program Services. (n.d.). Radon Mitigation. Kansas State University. https://www.radonprogram.org/mitigation/index.html.