A home can seem like its perfect, but there could be an invisible culprit waiting to make everything go wrong. If you have never heard of radon before, read on to find out more about it.
What Exactly Is Radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas that is colorless and odorless. It is formed naturally from the different elements found in most soil and rock. Radon has been found to cause lung cancer in people who are exposed to it for long periods of time, according to the American Cancer Society. Because it has no color or odor, it can be impossible to detect without the use of specialized kits.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Kit
There are two major types of radon testing kits: short-term and long-term. If you want a quick result, then you can purchase a short-term radon kit. Unfortunately, many of this type of kits have a tendency to underreport the radon levels in your home, which could lead to disastrous results. However, we have found that kits for long term radon tests are usually much more accurate. This is because you can sample the radon levels over a longer period of time, ensuring you get a much better idea of how much radon is really in your home.
How to Get Rid of Radon
One method to reduce radon levels in the home is to seal any cracks in your floors and walls. You can also increase ventilation by using pipes and fans to create sub-slab depressurization.
Before you move into any new residence, it’s best to conduct a long term radon test to ensure that there are no health risks for you and your family. For better results, you may want to contact a professional radon mitigation company to take care of the situation.
