When it comes to home safety, we often think of fire alarms, security systems, carbon monoxide detectors, and the like. However, the invisible and odorless radon gas often falls through the cracks (again and again, pun intended). So, do you need testing for radon at home? Yes, you do, and in this blog, we discuss why.
What Is Radon, And Why Should You Be Concerned?
Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally when uranium breaks down in soil, rocks, and water. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, and cannot be detected without testing. Exposure to radon can be a serious health risk, but we cannot detect it with our senses.
A research study by the National Institute of Health puts arsenic, asbestos, and radon among the leading non-tobacco carcinogens linked to lung cancer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and claims 21000 lives.
Testing for radon in homes is essential because it seeps into homes through cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes, and other openings. Without testing, you can’t know if the levels of radon exposure are dangerous.
Testing For Radon In Home: First Step Of Radon Prevention
The good news is that it is easy and inexpensive to test for radon at home. A test is the first and most crucial step to prevent radon exposure. Let’s break it down for you.
It’s Widespread
Radon doesn’t only exist in some specific places. Homes around the globe, new and old, can have radon. Despite the difference in levels, radon has been found in homes in all 50 states. It means even if you feel your house doesn’t fall in the “high risk” category, it is advised to test for radon in your home.
Radon Exposure Is A Silent Threat
We mentioned earlier that human senses can not detect radon. This makes it easy to continue your daily routines without knowing you live with elevated radon levels. The only way to know for sure is to test. And the best thing is, you can test it yourself. The EPA recommends that every home be tested for radon, even if it is not located in a high-radon area or if the house is new.
Radon Test Is Easy And Budget Friendly
Testing for radon in home is easy, quick and relatively inexpensive. A radon test kit can be as little as \$15–\$30, so you can purchase one online or at your local hardware store. They come with detailed instructions on how to use them. Alternatively, you can hire a professional to conduct the same, which will cost approximately $100 and $300.
The radon testing device measures the radon level for a given period (2-7 days). Afterward, the test is analyzed at a lab. It will reveal whether your home has a sufficient radon concentration that needs to be investigated.
For best results, it is recommended that you undergo a long-term test lasting at least 90 days. This will give you an accurate estimate of the radon levels in your home.
Radon Levels Are Manageable
When you test and find out your home has a high radon level (more than 4.0 picocuries per liter or pCi/L—the EPA’s threshold level), don’t panic. Fortunately, radon levels can be lowered with good radon prevention methods. The most common option is to install a radon mitigation system, which vents radon gas away from the home before it reaches dangerous levels.
Additional ways to prevent radon include covering cracks in the foundation with a sealant and opening doors and windows to improve ventilation. However, the first step in any well-thought-out radon prevention strategy is to find out if there is a problem, and the most effective way to do this is to test for radon at home.
How To Test For Radon In Your Home
This is a step-by-step guide to how to test for radon in your home:
- Purchase Radon Test Kit: Buy a radon test kit online or from a local store.
- Find The Right Spot: The test kit should be placed at the lowest level of your house that you use regularly (usually the basement or the ground floor). Try to avoid places with excessive humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens.
- Follow Instructions Carefully: All kits come with simple instructions. Follow them to obtain accurate results.
- Results: Keep the test in place for the specified time. Upon completion of the testing period, send the device to the lab for analysis. The results usually take a few weeks, and the lab will send them to you.
- Interpreting The Results: If the radon level is higher than 4.0 pCi/L, it’s time to act.
What Should You Do If You Have High Radon Levels?
Do not be alarmed if your radon test shows high levels. Radon prevention and mitigation can be done effectively and reliably. One of the most common mitigation systems is a vent pipe and fan set up to pull out radon gas from below the house and vent it above the roof, where it is dispersed safely into the air.
The cost of the radon mitigation system will depend on your home’s size and the radon level. It will vary between $800 and $2,500. Although it might seem like a large amount, it is nothing compared to your health and that of your family.
Conclusion: Take Action Today
So, if you are thinking, “Do I need testing for radon in my home?” The answer would be yes, absolutely. Radon is a serious health risk, yet it is preventable. Testing for radon in your home is the first essential step to protect your family and ensure your well-being and that of your family. It is an inexpensive and simple test, and you don’t want to wait until it’s too late.
We at RJ Home Inspections realize the importance of home radon tests, and conducting this test through professional, reliable radon testing services is what we are here for. Call and schedule your radon test today, and take control of how safe your home is.