Radon gas is a noble gas that is odorless and invisible to the naked eye. When present in open places, it is not a risk. However, if there is an accumulation in homes or schools, it poses a huge health risk. Prolonged exposure to the gas can cause lung cancer. It has no smell and is tasteless so testing by professionals is the only way to detect it in the home. The process will ensure that if the gas is in your home it is mitigated to prevent health risks for you and your family.
How Does Radon Gas Enter A Home Or Building?
Radon is formed from the decay of Uranium, and this is an element found in almost all soils. When the soil underneath the foundation decays and produces the gas, it passes through the cracks in the foundation or other parts of the home and slowly accumulates inside the building. Note that radon gas can accumulate in any home whether old or new. Even a home without a basement can have dangerous levels of radon.
The Different Levels Of Radon And What They Mean For Your Home’s Safety
The State Health Department recommends mitigation in homes for radon that has tested levels of over 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter of air). It is almost impossible to have zero levels of radon in the home because of the soil underneath the house and the fact that it is a naturally occurring gas.
Testing Radon Levels
Radon gas level is about 0.135-0.405 pCi/L globally when tested outdoors. For every 2.7 pCi/L, there is an increase in the chances of acquiring lung cancer. It is important to monitor the levels of radon in any home, but more so in homes that have previously had high radon levels.
The lowest level of radon in the home that would not pose a great risk of lung cancer is 100 Bq/m3, or 2.7 pCi/L according to the World Health Organization. When this limit is surpassed, mitigation and remediation are necessary. The US EPA recommends that the lowest levels be 4 pCi/L.
High Radon Levels
If the level of radon in your home is measured and is at 4 pCi/L for a month or more than four weeks, professional radon mitigation and remediation company should be contacted to take measures and bring the levels down. If you have levels of 2.7 pCi/L, it means that your home is safe. If the levels are between 2.7 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L and remain this way for about three or four months, you should call a professional for mitigation purposes.
Whether you are moving into a new home or have been living in your home for a while, you should get the place tested for radon gas and be certain that you do not have dangerous levels of radon gas.
Contact Teton Radon Services in Idaho Falls, ID, to carry out the tests for you. We have plenty of experience with over 15 years of carrying out radon tests and mitigation. We have both Charcoal testing and CRM.
Call us today at (208)520-8048 to get our expert radon testing and mitigation services.