You do everything you can to keep your home and family safe, but did you know there could be silent threats in your home? One such threat is radon.
Radon is a naturally occurring gas in the environment that can harm you and your household members. It forms from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. Unfortunately, it’s not something you can smell, taste, or see. The only way to know if your home has radon is to get a professional radon inspection and testing.
Health Risks of Radon
Radon exposure poses significant health risks. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that radon causes an estimated 21,000 deaths due to lung cancer per year in the United States. Almost 3,000 of those deaths occurred in people who never smoked.
Since radon gas is inhaled into the lungs, its radioactive particles can damage lung tissue over time, leading to mutations and cancer. The effects of radon exposure are not immediate, as it may take years or even decades for lung cancer to develop, but early radon inspections and testing may help mitigate the problem.
How Radon Enters Homes
Radon gas isn’t something you can avoid as it is naturally present in the soil. It finds its way into homes through:
- Cracks in walls and floors
- Gaps around pipes and electrical wiring
- Sump pumps and drains
- Construction joints and foundation slabs
Radon levels can vary greatly depending on geographic location, soil composition, and building structure. Even neighboring homes can have significantly different radon levels, making testing essential for every household.
Why Radon Testing Is Crucial
1. Radon Is Undetectable Without Testing
Because radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, it cannot be identified without specialized equipment. Testing is the only way to determine if your home has elevated radon levels.
2. High Levels Are Common
The EPA estimates that 1 in 15 homes in the United States has elevated radon levels. This means they exceed the recommended “action level” of 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter). Due to their geological composition, certain regions are more prone to high radon levels.
3. Protecting Your Family’s Health
Testing for radon allows you to identify and mitigate risks before they harm your family’s health. Proper testing and remediation can prevent long-term exposure to radon.
How to Test for Radon
Radon testing is straightforward and affordable. You can purchase testing kits from local hardware stores to detect radon yourself. The instructions are easy to follow; however, a professional radon inspection and testing are recommended for more accurate results.
Mitigating High Radon Levels
If your professional radon tests show high radon levels, installing mitigation systems is important. The home’s layout will determine the best course of action, but mitigation often involves installing vent pipes and fans to redirect the gas. Be sure to only hire state-approved professionals when hiring a radon mitigation specialist.
Final Thoughts: Do you Need a Radon Inspection and Radon Testing?
A radon inspection and radon testing are important steps to ensure your family’s safety. Because radon is undetectable without testing and its health effects are severe, it’s critical to test homes regularly and address elevated levels promptly. A professional inspection can protect your family from the risks of long-term radon exposure.
Don’t buy or sell a house until you know it’s safe. Trust Pinnelli Mold Pros with your radon testing needs.