Radon Gas Home Testing

Doing a radon home test is a smart idea. Why Do You Need to Test for Radon? Well, first of all, you and your home are not immune to the possibility of having radon gas. Infact, radon has been found in homes all over the U.S.

The problem with Radon Gas


What is the problem with radon? Radon is a radioactive gas, it comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Radon can also enter your home through well water. Your home can trap radon inside.
Do not think that just because your home is new, or you just built it that it doesn't have a radon problem, conducting a radon home test is a great way to find out, especially because any home can have a radon problem.

This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. In fact, if you were to be exposed to radon, it would most likely be at home. Why? Well, that is where you spend most of your time.
So, what should you do to know if you and your family are at risk from radon? Consider the following statistic: Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the United States is estimated to have an elevated radon level (4 pCi/L or more). Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon.
You cannot predict radon levels based on state, local, and neighborhood radon measurements. Do not rely on radon test results taken in other homes in the neighborhood to estimate the radon level in your home. Homes which are next to each other can have different radon levels. Testing is the only way to find out what your home's radon level is.
In fact, it is also important to note that the U.S. Surgeon General Health Advisory stated in January of 2005 that "Indoor radon gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and breathing it over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk to families all over the country. It's important to know that this threat is completely preventable. Radon can be detected with a simple test and fixed through well-established ventilation techniques."

Home Radon Tests


Fixing a radon problem is not difficult, but letting it go untreated is a problem. So, conduct a radon home test, or pay to have your home tested. Radon detectors can be purchased for a minimal price and plug right into your wall. Basically, the radon test result is important, and while some states require radon measurement testers to follow a specific testing protocol, you can do radon home tests. If you do the test yourself, you should carefully follow the testing protocol for your area or EPA's Radon Testing Checklist. If you hire a contractor to test your residence, protect yourself by hiring a qualified individual or company. Ask if they are certified as many states require radon professionals to be licensed, certified, or registered.
Regardless of how you have your home tested, a radon home test that you conduct, through a contractor, or licensed professional, you should have it tested at least every two years as the levels can change, and what was true for your house a few years ago may not be true for your house today.

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