The Benefits of Radon Testing
If your home has a high radon level, you should have it tested by a professional radon inspector. However, you can also perform a test yourself, which requires placing a small tube in the lowest level of your home and leaving it there for 48 hours. Once the sample is collected, the results are sent to a lab for analysis. A certified radon inspector has been trained and certified in the procedure, and the professional should be able to provide you with a clear picture of the levels in your home.
Radon is a radioactive gas that can cause serious health problems. High levels of radon in the air can lead to lung cancer, which is the leading cause of death from lung disease in the United States. Fortunately, radon testing can help you solve the problem before the problem progresses. If the test indicates high radon levels, you can install radon reduction systems that will reduce the levels of this toxic gas. These systems draw the radon out of your home using an exhaust system and high-density plastic sheeting. High-density plastic sheeting makes it difficult for radon to pass through your foundation or crawlspace.
Geologic maps also can help you understand the potential of radon risks in a particular area. These maps can convey regional variations in radon concentration, which can help you design an effective radon testing program. Detailed geologic maps are particularly useful in communicating geographic variations in radon risk. They are also helpful for promoting radon testing programs, and can help other states and countries better understand their local risks.
There is no safe level of radon exposure. However, there is an action level, which is four picocuries per liter, and the higher levels should raise alarm bells. For example, if you have a radon level of four picocuries or more in your home, you should consult your family physician.
The data from the study also include radon mitigation rates and the number of homes that have mitigation measures. These two factors can affect the risk of developing lung cancer and should be considered when implementing radon mitigation programs. The study shows that if you take measures to reduce radon levels, you can save approximately seventy five Kentucky residents from acquiring premature lung cancer.
The EPA has a website that outlines the standards for radon mitigation. You can also find out about mitigation systems from your state radon office. It is recommended to use radon mitigation techniques for a two-pCi/L level or less. The EPA’s Consumer’s Guide to Radon Reduction also describes the various mitigation techniques.
It is critical to your health that you make the effort to get an inspection of your home. Radon levels in a residence are susceptible to dramatic shifts in accordance with the changing of the seasons. In point of fact, many inspections may be necessary for certain homes before the basic requirements are satisfied. As a result, prior to making a determination that is final, you ought to ensure that you have your house inspected.
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