What is Radon?
Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that can only be detected in your home with a test. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking and is a potential threat across the country. You could be exposed to radon in your home and not even know it.
Radon is a toxic gas that’s produced when radioactive elements break down in groundwater, soil, or rocks. Most homes in the United States have at least a trace amount of radon in them, with one in 15 homes containing high radon levels.
At high levels, radon poses a significant health risk to your and your family. The gas makes its way into your home through gaps in the foundation and porous materials. Long-term exposure to radon causes over 20,000 deaths each year. Breathing radon is dangerous and high levels should be reduced to make your home safe.
How to Test for Radon in Your Home
While you can purchase an inexpensive DIY radon test kit, it’s best to hire a professional. A radon test kit only requires you to open up a package and then place it in your home for 90 days. Then you send the kit to a lab to get the results. However, user error is common and results are often inaccurate.
You’ll get results you can trust from a professional home inspector who specializes in radon testing. Professionals use state of the art equipment to test for radon and know how to administer and interpret the test. With such a serious matter, it’s worth spending a little more to have an accurate test.
Get Your Home Tested for Peace of Mind
Getting your home tested for radon is a good idea if your home is older since there tend to be more cracks and hairline fractures in the foundation where radon can seep into the home. New houses are also likely to have high radon levels because the doors and windows are more airtight, causing the gas to become trapped indoors. A test will either give you peace of mind or the facts you need so that you can take steps to reduce radon levels.
How to Handle High Levels of Radon in Your Home
If you have concerning levels of radon in your home, it doesn’t mean you have to pack up and move. There are several ways to reduce radon in your home. Once you have identified where radon is entering your home, these cracks or openings should be repaired. A radon mitigation professional will install a soil or sub-membrane depressurization system, depending on the type of house.
It’s critical that you test your home for radon to keep your family safe.
In-Depth 360 Home Inspection Services serves the Puget Sound area with home inspections and radon testing. Contact us to schedule an appointment in Southwest Washington.