When metals like uranium, thorium, or radium contained in rocks shatter, this gas emits out. Radon enters your home through the gaps and cracks in the foundation or the structure of the building. You cannot see the gas with the help of your naked eye, and neither you cannot smell it.
It is present under the surface, where it escapes from the fractures and spaces in the architectural design of the building and seeps into your home. It can even be mix in your water supply. Each year, 21,000 individuals die from lung cancer caused by radon gas, according to the EPA; thus, you must test the property before moving in.
This problem may affect anyone, whether they live in a new or old home. We will be exposed to it more since we spend the majority of time in our house, which makes it even more critical to test the place for radon level.
Why is it crucial to take a radon test?
Studies by EPA have shown that one in every 15 houses has a radon level which is higher than average, causing a potential threat to one’s health.
To guarantee the safety of everyone, it is necessary to check the level of radon on your property. Studies have shown that several lung cancer cases are triggered due to the presence of radon gas. It is more common in smokers and those who live in areas where this gas is present in higher concentrations.
It would help if you also kept in mind that the radon level varies from property to property. If your neighbour has a stable level, that does not qualify as your radon level. This assumption is wrong and costs you your life.
You must follow the following things whenever shifting to a new location:
(a) Has the house ever been tested for radon?
If you’re purchasing a new house, you may ask the seller to conduct a radon test, or if both parties agree, you can hire a professional company to complete the test. Keep the following points in mind once he gives you the test results:
1) Make a comparison of the prior and present outcomes.
2) Who did the test, the seller or a radon expert?
3) The place of the test. The concentration is higher in the basement. Therefore it’s an excellent place to test it.
4) Consider any ventilation, heating, structural, or any other changes made after the test was conducted.
(b) Has the house never been tested before for radon?
As soon as possible, you should conduct the test at a specific place in the house. Consider these components of the exam:
1) What is the date and place of the test?
2) Who will conduct the examination?
3) What will be the type of test you will conduct?
4) Who will pay for the test?
Type of Radon Test
Because this gas is not visible and does not possess any smell and taste thus taking a test is crucial by using specialist equipment. You can also hire a professional radon mitigation toledo firm that has dealt with similar problems before. Following are the ways to test the radon level:
(a) Passive Devices: Such equipment operates without the need for electricity. They may be bought online or purchased at any hardware store. These are low-cost options. You must keep these devices in a particular position for a specific period to check the gas level. After the test, the sample should be sent to a laboratory for testing.
(b) Active Devices: Such equipment use electricity. Such a kit measures the level of radon daily. The test is more advance, and thus they yield substantially more sophisticated results. This apparatus must be placed in the lowermost section of the house. The experiment should not be carried out in restricted spaces.
Last few words!
Radon gas led to many health problems. It would help if you took corrective action. If the saturation levels are substantially high, you should hire a professional radon mitigation expert. They are experts on this subject and solve your problem very quickly.
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