Radon gas is formed by the decay of uranium in the soil. High levels of radon exposure for an extended period of time can lead to lung cancer. Radon-related cancer kills an estimated 21,000 people each year in the United States. It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Here are a few things you should know about testing for radon in the home.
Testing For Radon
Radon is colorless and odorless, making it impossible to detect without a test. And while kits are sold online and in many hardware stores, this is a serious enough issue that testing should only be performed by a professional. The accuracy of DIY testing kits is questionable. Further, many testing kits require the sample to be sent to a laboratory for analysis. DIY tests have a lot of room for error and often return inaccurate results.
Professional radon testing is much more accurate. The testing equipment used is superior to DIY kits and the results are interpreted by a trained professional who will report on the radon levels in your home.
Mitigating Radon in the Home
If high levels of radon are detected, hire a contractor who is trained and licensed in radon mitigation. There is no one-size-fits-all system for every home because each is different and radon levels can vary significantly from property to property.
In theory, mitigating high levels of radon in your home is simple. The contractor will install a ventilation system to circulate the gas out of the house and also seal any openings to keep radon from getting into your home. There are various mitigation strategies and the cost will depend on which methods and materials are used in your home.
Radon is something that should not be ignored. As the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, the cost of radon testing and mitigation is a small price to pay for the health and safety of your family.
Brick n’ Beam Home Inspections provides inspection services, including radon testing, to customers in St. Louis County, Jefferson County, and surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule an appointment.