So, you’ve detected radon in your home…
Now what do you do to get rid of radon?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get rid of radon, explain what it is, and how to get the most accurate radon test results.
Let’s dive in.
How to Get Rid of Radon in Your Home
Once you’ve identified a radon problem, the next step is mitigation (aka reduce radon levels). Several methods can effectively reduce radon levels:
1. Soil Suction Radon Reduction Systems
Soil suction, also known as sub-slab depressurization, is the most common and effective method for reducing radon levels. This system draws radon from beneath the house and expels it outside.
Key components include:
PVC Pipe: Installed through the floor slab or basement floor, extending to the roofline.
Radon Fan: Placed in the attic or outside to draw radon gas from the soil and release it into the air above the home.
2. Sealing Cracks and Openings
Sealing cracks and openings in the foundation and walls can help limit the flow of radon into your home. While not sufficient as a standalone solution, this method is often used in conjunction with other mitigation techniques.
3. House Pressurization
House pressurization involves using a fan to blow air into the basement or living area from either upstairs or outside, creating enough pressure at the lowest level to prevent radon from entering. This method requires careful adjustment to ensure the proper balance of air pressure.
4. Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV)
HRV systems improve ventilation by introducing fresh air and exhausting indoor air, which can help reduce radon levels. This method is especially useful in homes with tightly sealed windows and doors.
5. Sub-Membrane Depressurization
For homes with crawl spaces, sub-membrane depressurization involves covering the earth floor with a high-density plastic sheet. A vent pipe and fan system are then used to draw radon from under the sheet and expel it outside.
Professional Radon Mitigation
While some mitigation methods can be implemented by homeowners, professional radon mitigation is highly recommended for more complex systems.
Here at Radon Testing & Mitigation Inc., we have the advanced tools, knowledge, and experience to ensure effective and safe radon reduction.
Why Choose Radon Testing & Mitigation Inc.?
When it comes to radon testing and mitigation, you want a team that knows exactly what they’re doing. We have the experience, knowledge, and advanced diagnostics tools to effectively lower radon levels in your home.
We’ll start with a thorough radon test. If we find high levels, we’ll design a custom radon mitigation system just for your home.
Let Us Safeguard Your Home From Radon Gas
Residential radon testing is a critical step in safeguarding your health and the well-being of your family. By detecting and mitigating radon issues early, you can reduce the risk of lung cancer and create a safer indoor environment for everyone in your home.
Test your home, mitigate radon risks, and breathe easier knowing that you’ve taken proactive steps to protect your health and home.
Post-Mitigation Testing
After installing a radon mitigation system, it’s crucial to conduct post-mitigation testing to ensure the system is effectively reducing radon levels.
Short-term tests can verify immediate effectiveness, while long-term tests provide a more comprehensive assessment.
Maintaining Your Radon Mitigation System
Regular maintenance of your radon mitigation system is essential to ensure its continued effectiveness.
Key maintenance tasks include:
- Checking the Fan: Ensure the radon fan is operating correctly and replace it if necessary.
- Inspecting Seals: Periodically check and reseal any cracks or openings in the foundation and walls.
- Testing Radon Levels: Conduct regular radon tests, at least every two years, to monitor levels and ensure they remain low.
Radon Awareness and Prevention
Raising awareness about radon and its health risks is vital for encouraging more people to test and mitigate radon in their homes.
Key steps include:
- Education: Inform family, friends, and community members about the dangers of radon and the importance of testing.
- Advocacy: Advocate for local and state policies that require radon testing and mitigation in residential and commercial properties.
- Resources: Utilize resources from organizations like the EPA, the American Lung Association, and the National Radon Program Services to stay informed and find assistance.
What is Radon?
Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that results from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can enter homes through cracks and openings in floors and walls in contact with the ground. Due to its gaseous nature, radon can easily accumulate to dangerous levels inside buildings, especially in lower areas such as basements and ground floors.
Why is Radon Dangerous?
Radon decay produces radioactive particles that, when inhaled, can damage the lining of the lungs. Prolonged exposure to high radon levels increases the risk of lung cancer.
According to the EPA, radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States each year.
Smokers exposed to radon have a significantly higher risk of developing lung cancer compared to non-smokers.
Detecting Radon in Your Home
1. Understanding Radon Levels
Radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L) in the United States. The EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon levels if the concentration is 4 pCi/L or higher.
Ideally, homes should have radon levels below 2 pCi/L.
2. Testing for Radon
Testing your home for radon is the first step in identifying whether you have a radon problem. There are two primary types of radon tests:
Short-Term Tests
Short-term tests are the quickest way to get a snapshot of your home’s radon levels. These tests typically last from 2 to 90 days. Common types of short-term tests include:
- Charcoal Canisters: These are simple devices that absorb radon gas over a specified period. After the test period, the canister is sent to a laboratory for analysis.
- Alpha Track Detectors: These detectors record alpha particles produced by radon decay, providing an average radon level over the test period.
Long-Term Tests
Long-term tests provide a more accurate representation of the year-round average radon levels in your home. These tests last for more than 90 days, often up to a year.
Long-term testing methods include:
- Alpha Track Detectors: Similar to the short-term version but designed for longer testing periods.
- Electret Ion Chamber Detectors: These devices measure the ionization caused by radon decay over time.
3. Interpreting Test Results
Below are the EPA’s recommendations, if your test results are…
- Below 2 pCi/L: Radon levels are considered safe, though periodic testing is recommended.
- 2-4 pCi/L: While not immediately hazardous, it’s advisable to consider mitigation efforts to reduce radon levels.
- Above 4 pCi/L: Immediate action is required to lower radon concentrations in your home.
Final Thoughts
Radon is a serious health risk that requires proactive measures to detect and mitigate. By testing your home, understanding radon levels, and implementing effective mitigation strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of radon exposure and protect your family’s health.
Whether you choose to tackle radon mitigation yourself or hire a professional, the investment in a radon-safe home is invaluable.
Now that you know how to get rid of radon in your home, remember to stay informed, take action, and breathe easier knowing your home is safe from the dangers of radon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get rid of radon naturally?
The key is ventilation. Open doors and windows to air out the interior of the home and incorporate the use of a fan to speed up the process.
Where does radon come from?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium in soil, rocks, and water.
How do I prevent radon from entering my home?
Sealing cracks and openings in the foundation and walls can help limit the flow of radon into your home
Is it OK to live in a house with radon?
If radon level are above 4 pCi/L, then immediate action is required to lower radon concentrations in your home, according to the EPA’s recommendation https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-05/documents/hmbuygud.pdf
How do I know if there’s radon in my area?
To check if your area has high levels of radon, visit the Environmental Protection Agency Map of Radon Zones.
What are the signs of radon in my house?
Signs of radon in your house are not typically visible or noticeable, but symptoms of radon exposure can include persistent cough, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and an increased risk of lung cancer, especially in non-smokers. Testing is the most reliable way to determine radon levels in your home.
What houses are most at risk for radon?
Houses with basements or lower levels that are in contact with the ground are most at risk for radon, as the gas can seep in through cracks or gaps in the foundation. Additionally, homes in regions with high levels of uranium in the soil are also more susceptible to elevated radon levels.