Radon is a gas produced by the breakdown of naturally occurring radioactive elements in rocks and soil such as uranium and thorium. It is a gas that occurs naturally in the open air. It occurs in harmless quantities but can be deadly for those breathing it in. Radon gas is invisible, tasteless, and odorless. Radon gas is a silent killer and is believed to be a major cause and/or contributor to lung cancer.
People can be exposed to radon gas in their homes by breathing in air contaminated with radon gas from cracks in the walls of the house or even through the sump pump.
A home can be protected from radon gas by adopting certain behaviors to prevent it from occurring. These include:
1. Improve the air supply to your home. Open windows, vents, and use fans to promote air circulation.
2. Do not smoke in your home and discourage others from smoking in your home.
3. Cracks in floors and walls should be sealed with specially designed material such as plaster and caulk.
4. When buying a home, inquire about radon-safe construction techniques.
Test your home for radon gas by purchasing a radon gas test kit. Once the test has been administered, it can be forwarded to the appropriate facilities to test the levels of radon gas in your home.
Radon gas can enter the home through the sump pump in the basement if it is found in the groundwater.
Vapor barriers with a thickness of at least 6 mm can ensure that radon is discharged from the house through passive vent pipes. Additionally, radon concentrations can be reduced by encapsulating crawl spaces. Crawl spaces can be sealed and encapsulated with a continuous vapor barrier. Covering the sump pump can also help reduce radon gas levels. That’s because it closes an important opening from the basement to the house. But it’s not enough to keep radon levels to a minimum. It should be part of a strategic approach to eliminating radon gas in the home.
In addition, short-term detectors can be installed in the home to monitor radon levels. These detectors monitor radon gas levels for two to 90 days at a time, according to the National Cancer Institute. The time frame depends on the type of detector.
Qualified technicians will be able to assist with measures that will greatly reduce the radon gas levels in your home and thereby secure the health and well-being of your family. Be sure to check regularly for radon in your home and get in touch with professionals should you notice any higher than normal levels of radon.
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