The residents of Rocky Mountain West have an important job to do. They are asked to test for radon in their home. It is a radioactive gas that can lead to lung issues. The radon comes when there is a natural breakdown of uranium in rock and soil. As there is an abundance of this mineral in the west it is a good idea for radon testing. When the uranium decays it creates a gas that gets released from the soil. This gas can get trapped in the homes. Then years of exposure to the radon gas can cause lung cancer.
Therefore, according to Dr. Douglas Kemme, the best way to escape from the effects of radon is to first know if it is in your house. Radon testing is highly recommended. Here you can find all the details of Radon testing.
What is Radon?
Radon is a type of odorless and invisible gas. People may not get affected by it as soon as they come in contact with it. But radon can become unstable when it is in the air. It breaks down into other products. If a person inhales and exhales the gas, the harmful decayed parts of the gas may stay inside the lungs. Over time these particles can lead to cell damage and lung cancer. That is why radon is harmful to humans.
If the radon levels are high in homes it becomes a Class A carcinogen. It is a similar risk of lung cancer that occurs because of cigarette smoking. Radon is one of the number one causes of lung cancer among people who do not smoke.
What is Radon testing?
The residents of Colorado get a free radon test kit from CDPHE. One free test kit per the address is offered to the people. You have to fill a simple online form that has the name address, phone number, and email. The people can get the kits through CDPHE. It cost up to $10 to $50.
There are two types of radon tests that happen in the Rocky Mountain West. There are long-term radon detectors that test the home for over a 12-month period. Also, there are short-term radon test kits that can test the home in just a few days.
The state of Colorado advises the residents to start the radon testing with short-term tests. This is a free test provided by the state. This test is conducted to check if there is radon in the home. If the results of the test come as 4 pCi/L or higher then the state will authorize another check. This will be a long-term test and after this only the radon mitigation happens.
The process of radon testing is very simple. It has to be done when all doors and windows are closed in the home. That is why the best time for radon testing is during January. It is the national radon action month.
At that time people used the radon test kit. There are instructions available in the kit. The small tester in the kit is placed in the lowest living area of a house. But the tester must not be placed in the kitchen or bathroom. When the test is complete it has to be given to the lab. Within weeks the results will arrive. But no matter what the results the radon testing must happen every few years.
How to mitigate the Radon?
The radon gas comes from the soil. If there are leaks in the foundation of the home the gas will enter through it. But there are many methods to mitigate the gas. There is a radon mitigation system that functions by overpowering the natural vacuum of the home. It offers a natural route for the radon to go outdoors. The radon systems will cost around $500 to $2,500. It will depend on the type and size of the home. For limited-income families, there are deferral programs available to get radon reduction for their homes.
The most effective radon mitigation system is a vent pipe placed in the pit of the pump or a hole in the concrete slab. Then a special in-line radon fan is kept in the attic or outside the home to get the air through the vent. The radon will pass from under the basement floor. The simple method is to run the vent at the side of the house and up in the eves. The vent can also run up through the house and out on the roof. But this system can cost more even though it works better.
Further, there are continuous electric monitors that are useful to check the radon levels in the home. There is equipment like a Safety Siren Pro Series digital meter that can be plugged in at a place. These monitors are beneficial for both short-and long-term testing. It offers a running average and has an ionization chamber that checks the air continuously. (Read More)
How does radon enter the home?
Many people panic because of the media hype revolving around radon. The radon can enter your home without your notice. But you can follow some methods to do away with it. The radon will enter your home from the soil. It will get inside your home through the pores in the concrete. Some of the worst entry points of the home are gaps in walls and floors. There will be different radon levels depending on the home.
What to do if there is radon at home?
The risks from radon occur if there is exposure to high levels of radon for long periods. Therefore do not panic if there is radon in your home. It is always prudent to take a short-term test first and then a long-term test. Then if the results show that there is radon present then you can hire a contractor to fix the problem. You can contact the state radon office to know more. They will tell you the guidelines you have to follow if there is radon.
The things you need are a continuous radon tester, a long-term radon tester, and a short-term radon tester. Keep these in mind as they will help you to get rid of radon.
Conclusion
These are the important matters about radon you must be aware of. So check the radon levels in your home. Know about the methods to get rid of it.
You may also read: Why Now is the Perfect Time to Sell Your Home?
