Is Radon Lurking in Your Home?
Posted on Wed, Jan 25, 2012 @ 09:45 AM
Radon Overview
Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths than radon. It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas and may be in your home without you knowing. Radon is formed from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil and rock and moves up through the ground and into your home through cracks in the foundation. It can also enter your home through well water. It is present in Central New York and many other parts of the country and can vary greatly from one house to the next.
Testing for Radon
Homeowners can test for radon themselves using a kit purchased at a hardware or home improvement store. Follow the directions on the kit for proper placement of the device and where to send the device after the test to get your reading. The EPA also offers discounted radon test kits that can be purchased online. Radon is measured in "picocuries per liter of air," or "pC/L." While no amount of radon is safe, the EPA recommends measures be taken to reduce the radon level in your home if your test result is 4 pC/L or higher.
Reducing Radon Levels in Your Home
The EPA recommends you use a qualified radon mitigator to fix radon problems. There are several methods a contractor can use to lower radon levels in a home. Some techniques prevent radon from entering your home while others reduce radon levels after it has entered. Common methods of fixing a radon problem are to repair cracks in the home's foundation and / or to add ventilation. Additional information on radon reduction can be found here.
Take Action in January
The EPA has designated January as National Radon Action Month. Make it a point to test your home and, if your test shows an elevated level of radon, make a commitment to get it fixed.
Photo credit: ahis1.com
