If you worry that your home has high levels of radon gas, you need to take immediate steps to fix the problem. Radon gas exposure can have deadly consequences and it is a threat to any home. Because of this, radon in your home must be taken seriously and should be addressed promptly. These steps can guide you through the process.
Why You Need to Deal with Radon in Your Home Immediately
While radon is more common in some locations than others, any home can potentially be impacted by this natural gas because it is created through the natural degradation of uranium in the soil. Rather than remaining trapped in the soil, radon gas will rise up and can enter your home through even the smallest gaps and cracks in the exterior and the foundation.
You may not be aware of the presence of radon in your home for months, or even years, because it is clear and has no odor. However, exposure to high levels of this gas has been linked to lung cancer and has been attributed to many deaths. Since it is a known carcinogen, you must take immediate steps to lower the levels so that you can minimize the impact on your health.
1. Test Your Home
Radon in your home is a serious matter that you’ll only know about by testing for this dangerous gas. Though there are do-it-yourself tests available, a skilled professional testing service that uses superior devices will provide the best and most accurate results. You’ll receive detailed information about the levels of radon gas in your home along with advice on how to reduce radon if it’s a problem.
2. Open the Windows
If the results come back at levels of 4 pCi/L or higher, consider airing out your home by opening doors and windows until you can have a radon mitigation company assess your property. This is not a permanent solution to the problem, however, it can help reduce the radon levels temporarily while you wait for more significant remediation steps.
3. Schedule Radon Mitigation Service
If your professional radon test shows high levels of radon in your home, schedule radon mitigation as soon as possible. The scope of this service varies based on many factors and will be customized to suit your specific situation. Because radon mitigation efforts should be tailored specifically to the home’s unique problem and circumstances, you should not attempt mitigation on your own. Doing so could potentially worsen the problem.
4. Prevent a Future Problem
Radon mitigation is designed to remove existing radon in your home, but you may also need to take extra steps to prevent another problem in the future. For example, if the gas is entering your home through foundation cracks, these cracks should be filled to keep radon from getting inside.
January is National Radon Action Month, so now is the time to schedule a professional radon test if your home has not been tested in a while. If you learn that radon in your home is a problem, follow these steps to remove the radon and keep your family safe.
Cabal Inspection Services provides radon testing to South Florida and other home inspection services. Contact us to book our services.