What is Radon? |
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| Radon is a radioactive gas that is part of the decay process of uranium. There is strong evidence or proof that high radon levels can be a factor in lung cancer. Radon gas exist just about everywhere in some level. Outdoor levels are almost always under 1 but indoor levels can be much higher due to variety of reasons. |
| Where does Radon come from? |
| As mentioned above radon comes from the natural decay of uranium that is present in the soil and rock. It enters homes through places like cracks and expansion joints in concrete slabs, cracks in basement walls, sump pump pits and crawl spaces. |
| Testing for Radon |
| The need for radon mitigation should be determined by testing. There are 2 basic categories of testing. Short term screening test done over 1 or 2 days and long term testing over maybe 3 to 12 months. Unless the screening test is considerably high need for mitigation should be based on long term testing. |
| Passive Radon Mitigation |
| Passive mitigation of radon is mainly sealing of possible entry points and perhaps installing additional ventilation in crawl spaces. Examples of passive mitigation would be sealing the sump pit, caulking cracks and expansion joints in concrete slabs, Installing vapor barriers in crawl spaces et.. |
| Active Radon Mitigation |
| This is a powered system that usually consist of an inline fan mounted on 3 or 4 inch pvc pipe. The pipe will then penetrate concrete slabs pulling air from beneath it and exhausting it outdoors. May also be used to pull air from beneath a vapor barrier in crawl spaces. Other active mitigation systems might include things like pressurizing the basement by blowing air from the first floor to the basement or installing fan powered vents in crawl spaces. |
| How to test for Radon |
| Radon test should be done in the lowest livable area in your home. This would include unfinished basements in most cases but not cellars as a general rule. Screening test should be done with closed house conditions. That means keep doors and windows closed up. Don't use fans that move air into or out of the house. Long term test should be done under completely normal conditions. |