Radon 101 – Understanding the Basics
Is your family at risk of radon gas exposure from your home?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive element found in soil. It is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and nonflammable. Radon gas is released into the air through the decay of uranium in rocks and soil. The gas then travels through cracks in the ground and enters our homes.
Radon gas is a carcinogen that contributes to lung cancer from prolonged exposure. If you live near a source of radon gas, you should consider testing your home for radon. The test is relatively inexpensive and straightforward, especially compared to the risk.
Kenco Home Inspections offers radon inspections.
What Is a Radon Test?
A radon test measures the amount of radon gas in your home. A sample of the air inside your home is collected using a unique device designed to detect the presence of radon gas. We use the RADALINK Aircat, one of the most sophisticated continuous radon monitors available.
What Is the Testing Process?
Radon testing is simple with little disruption to the homeowner. The testing process does have a few requirements to achieve accurate results.
Keep all windows and exterior doors closed except for quick entry and exit.
The HVAC system should maintain regular operation with thermostats set between 67 and 77 degrees.
During the testing period, do not operate whole-house fans, fireplaces, or wood stoves.
Typically, the test period runs for 48 hours, with the closed-house conditions met before testing.
After testing, if the results show elevated radon levels, radon mitigation can resolve the issue and restore healthy indoor air quality.
What Is Radon Mitigation?
Radon mitigation is an effective way to reduce radon gas in the house. There are two main types of radon mitigation systems: active and passive.
Active radon mitigation uses a fan to move radon outside of the home through an exhaust pipe.
Passive radon mitigation is built into new construction and does not include a fan.
Most experts recommend the active system for the best results. Also, the passive system does not usually work for homes with very high radon levels.
What Is a Radon Inspection?
A radon inspection tests the radon levels in the home and reports the findings. For homes with a radon mitigation system, a radon inspection can ensure the mitigation system works effectively to maintain low radon levels.
Even for new construction, it's essential to test radon levels. Also, radon levels can change over time as the soil beneath the home settles. Homeowners benefit from testing radon levels periodically. The extreme risks of long-term radon exposure are too high to take a chance.
Keep Your Family Healthy
Unlike many other risks in the home, radon will go undetected without proper testing. Often, radon is only suspected after a lung cancer diagnosis. Don't wait! Invest in a radon inspection to keep your family safe and healthy.
Kenco Home Inspections offers radon testing for clients in Southeast Florida. We offer radon testing as an add-on to a full home inspection or as a standalone service. Contact us today to schedule radon testing for your home or business.