Radon Detection
What is Radon?
Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil,
rock and water.
The release of this radioactive gas enters the air you
breathe, causing a potential health risk to you and your family.
Radon gas can be found in just about anywhere. It can get
into any type of building -- homes, offices, and schools -- and
build up to high levels.
What you should know about Radon
Radon is a cancer causing radioactive gas. You cannot see
radon and you cannot smell it or taste it, but it may be a
problem in your home. This is because when you breathe
air-containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung
cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is
the second leading cause of lung cancer.
You should test for radon. Testing is the only way to find
out about your home's radon level. The EPA and the Surgeon
General recommend testing of all homes below the third floor for
radon.
You can fix a radon problem. If you find that you have high
radon levels, there are ways to fix a radon problem. Even very
high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels.
If you are buying a home. EPA recommends that you obtain the
radon level in the home you are considering buying. An EPA
publication "The Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide" is available
through most State Health Departments or Regional EPA offices
listed in your local phone book. EPA also recommends that you
use a certified or state licensed radon tester to perform the
test. If elevated levels are found it is recommended that these
levels be reduced. In most cases, a professional can accomplish
this at reasonable cost or homeowner installed mitigation system
that adheres to the EPA's approved methods for reduction of
radon in a residential structure.
What are the Risk Factors?
The EPA, Surgeon General and The Center for Disease Control,
have all agreed that continued exposure to Radon gas can cause
lung cancer.
In fact, their position on the matter is that all homes
should be tested for radon gas exposure, and all homes testing
over 4 pCi/L should be fixed.
How Does Radon Enter the Home?
Typically the air pressure inside your home is lower than the
pressure in the soil around your home's foundation.
Due to this difference, your house acts like a vacuum,
drawing radon gas in through foundation cracks and other
openings of your home.
Radon may also be present in well water and can be released
into the air in your home when water is used for showering and
other household uses.
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