Just The Facts: An Overview Of Radon Testing For Homeowners

If you're starting to shop for a home or if you've recently been looking into matters of home safety, you've probably come across some recommendations for radon testing. However, the information that gets tossed around about radon can be quite vague. If you have some questions or are not quite sure why you need to be concerned about radon in the first place, then take a look at the guide below.

What Is Radon?

Radon is a gas. As its name suggests, it is a radioactive gas. However, it does not typically come from nuclear reactions or any other manufacturing process. Instead, it is released from certain rocks below the surface of the ground. Some areas contain a lot of radon, and others contain very little. You cannot see, smell, or otherwise detect radon with your senses. So if someone tells you your home smells like radon or gives them a radon vibe, this is likely a hoax or scam. Instead, rely on radon testing to see if your home is at risk.

Why Is Radon Concerning?

Radon gas has a number of negative effects on health. These effects are not instant. For example, you won't develop a headache or nausea after breathing in radon like you might after breathing in carbon monoxide or another poisonous gas. However, radon increases your long-term risk of lung cancer, and it is also thought to contribute to other illnesses like rectal cancer and bladder cancer.

How Do You Know if Your Home Has High Radon Levels?

Small amounts of radon are found all over the place, and these low levels are not a big concern. However, some homes have higher-than-normal radon levels because they're built over rock beds that are giving off a lot of this gas. The best way to test for radon in your home is via a testing company. They'll place a meter in your home that measures radon levels daily over a particular period of time, usually a month or 90 days. If the radon levels are above a certain amount, they'll tell you that you have a radon problem.

What Can You Do About High Radon Levels?

If your home does have high radon, you'll need to take steps to reduce the amount of the gas coming in. You can start by having the foundations sealed, which will prevent gas from seeping in through the concrete. You may also want to have any basement windows sealed. If you have a crawlspace, putting plastic sheeting over the walls and floor tends to work well.

Hopefully, you now have a better grasp of the basic facts about radon. Reach out to a radon testing company to learn more.

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