Radon Risks
Radon is a naturally-occurring gas that formed from a breakdown of uranium in our soil. Radon gas is radioactive and has been proven to cause lung Cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General has said that Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non- smokers.
The damage caused by radon is not immediate. Over time, radon attaches itself to oxygen atoms and is breathed into the lungs. These radioactive atoms work to mutate the lung cells and can eventually cause cancer to develop. Because of this it is important to test your home for radon gas. Since radon is odorless and tasteless the only way to know if high levels exist in your home is to perform a radon test.
Radon is found in rocks, soil, and water. Changes to the pressure both above and below the earth’s surface work as a catalyst to move the gas to the surface. Radon will enter a building through tiny cracks in the foundation and other gaps. It can enter homes of any age and any condition: old, new, with a basement or on a slab.
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Home testing allows property owners to easily identify whether or not they have radon in their home and at what levels. Professional testing is even more accurate. The EPA recommends that homeowners take steps to reduce radon levels if testing shows a result of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher, but there are no quick and easy do-it-yourself radon mitigation solutions.
Reducing radon levels in a home requires the help of a professional trained and in some states licensed radon mitigation professional. To find out what your state requires visit your states health or environmental services web site. Hiring a professional in the beginning will save you an enormous amount of time and money down the rioad.
Radon mitigation methods focus on controlling the airflow under the buildings foundation and venting the radon gas away from the breathable air space.
The type of mitigation system installed depends on the home’s foundation. Different methods are used for homes with basements versus crawlspaces versus concrete slabs. A qualified licensed, certified professional will determine what type of system is right for your building.
Radon mitigation technicians and specialists will conduct visual inspections and run diagnostic tests to determine where the radon is coming in and how much radon is inside the home. Using that information, they design and install systems that reduce radon levels in the soil around the home and the air inside the home. This requires specialized training and skills. Currently there are two agencies that certify radon mitigation specialist, the NRPP National Radon Proficiency Program and the NRSB National Radon Safety Board. In addition, States like Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Florida, Maine, Indiana and New Jersey require a state license to perform any type of radon testing or mitigation.
Original Resource http://www.americantowns.com/oh/northcanton/news/radon-risks-26683790
