Besides carbon monoxide poisoning, radon is one of the most serious threats any homeowner may face. However, unlike carbon monoxide, radon originates from natural sources. Radon is a radioactive gas that doesn't come from human industry or any other artificial source. Instead, radon naturally results from the decay of radioactive elements in small quantities nearly everywhere.
As these elements decay, they release radon gas. This gas normally exists in such small and dispersed quantities that it's effectively harmless. However, radon can become trapped in enclosed spaces such as homes, where it will concentrate and pose a serious long-term threat. If your home tests positive for elevated radon levels, you have a serious problem, but it's no time to panic.
What's Your Next Move?
Before doing anything else, you must confirm that you have a problem. The damage from radon comes from long-term exposure, so there's no immediate risk if you discover elevated levels in your home. If you used a home test kit or detector to check your radon levels, a good first step is to contact a professional for further testing.
While there's nothing wrong with do-it-yourself testing, using these kits can be complex and error-prone. You should always test multiple times, but you'll still want a professional to confirm your findings. Since radon mitigation can be relatively expensive, it's important to understand the extent of your problem before taking action.
How Can You Mitigate Your Radon Levels?
Okay, so you know you have a real problem — is it time to panic? Fortunately, the answer is still "no". Although radon is a serious issue, many options exist for mitigating its presence in existing homes. In many ways, radon mitigation is similar to mold remediation. Like mold remediation, you need to take steps to eliminate the source while also preventing future problems.
Radon mitigation usually consists of two distinct steps:
- Sealing your home against radon infiltration
- Venting radon away from your foundation
The first step requires a professional to inspect your home and foundation for cracks or other potential areas where radon can make its way inside. Since radon is a gas that originates in the soil surrounding your foundation, any issues with your basement walls can present a real risk. Repairing these issues is always the first step in any mitigation plan.
Installing a vented mitigation system is usually also necessary. While it's important to stop radon from entering your home, you also want to minimize the amount that collects around your foundation. A vented radon mitigation system moves gases away from the base of your foundation, helping to ensure these radioactive elements can't find their way inside.
Contact a service to learn more about residential radon mitigation system installation.
