While some areas of the United States may be more prone to high radon levels than others, it is estimated that 1 out of every 15 homes in this country may have dangerous levels of this odorless, toxic gas. These would be homes with radon levels that are at or exceed the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s action levels.
An Example of Dangerous Radiation Levels
If a home has levels of 4 pCi/l, this family would be exposed to an enormous amount of radiation. This would be the equivalent of about 35 times the amount of radiation allowed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission if they were standing next to a radioactive waste site’s fence.
Radon Testing and Inspection Services
There are both short and long-term tests available to determine radon levels. Short-term detectors, for example, will measure these levels for 2 to 90 days. This will, however, depend on the type of device being used.
A long-term test will last longer than 90 days. This test will determine the average radon concentration over this time period.
Radon Mitigation and Abatement Services
After radon testing and inspection services have been completed, there are different mitigation and abatement options. Passive mitigation systems, for example, have demonstrated the capacity to reduce indoor level by over 50%. In conjunction with radon ventilation fans, it’s been shown that radon levels can be further reduced.
There are other services that can be provided to assist with lowering radon levels and/or reducing the risks of this gas entering a home. These include crawl space sealing, installing vapor barriers, sump pump installations, sump pit excavation, and service drain installations.
Find Out More About Residential Radon Testing Services
Radon is considered to be the second leading cause of lung cancer, according to the Surgeon General. Given this, it’s important to have your home and surrounding grounds tested to determine whether or not radon is present. If you have recently moved into an older home or have learned that radon is present in your neighborhood, it would be a good idea to contact a residential radon testing service as soon as possible.