Radon gas can be found anywhere in the country. Prolonged exposure to high levels of radon can lead to extreme health complications. Although it is a naturally occurring element, radon can still be dangerous in large quantities.
What is Radon?
Radon is found everywhere, including low amounts in the air we breathe daily. Radon becomes a problem when it builds up in enclosed areas, like houses. There is no way to completely rid your home of radon. It is commonly found in soil and can build up inside your house, which is when it becomes dangerous. Radon exposure is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer. It’s important to take proper precautions to ensure you and your family’s safety.
Why Should I Get Radon Testing?
Radon occurs when uranium decays in the ground beneath your home. The type of soil around your home can increase your likelihood of high radon levels, but it is possible for any home to accumulate large amounts of radon. Despite the common belief that it only occurs in certain areas, radon is present everywhere. It is invisible, odorless, and undetectable by any other human senses. The presence of radon will not create any immediate symptoms that might alert you to its presence, so you may be exposed to it without even knowing.
Radon levels can change periodically, so testing for radon is the only way to be certain that the air in your house is safe to breathe. Anything listed at a 4pCi/L or higher is considered a dangerous rating and measures to lower the radon level should be taken. Failing to reduce the radon levels inside your home can drastically increase your risk of lung cancer.
What Can I Do About Radon?
There are many aspects of your situation, such as location or radon level, that will determine the best radon mitigation techniques for your home. Utilizing the expertise of a radon mitigation professional is highly recommended. They can help you determine the most effective solution for your home. Some solutions can be as simple as providing increased ventilation for your home. Many of these radon mitigation systems will remain effective over a long period of time, but you should still test your home periodically to measure continued effectiveness.
Unless you have had a radon test done recently, your home may contain high radon levels. Prolonged exposure can increase the risk of lung cancer, especially if you are a smoker. The combination of smoking and radon exposure significantly increases your chances of getting lung cancer. Test your house periodically to ensure the safety of the air you are breathing.
At NorthStar Home Inspectors, we care about your family’s safety. We offer radon testing with or without a home inspection. Testing your home’s radon levels is the only way to ensure that your home’s air is safe. To schedule your radon gas test, or for more information about radon testing, contact us at NorthStar today!