Radon, Testing, Mitigation, and Test Cost?

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking and chances are you are here because you want to know more about it. If you fear you live in a high radon zone you may want a Maryland Home Inspector to inspect your home for radon, but before you do that, familiarizing yourself with knowledge of this lethal gas is a good idea. If an inspector finds that the presence of radon in your home is higher than safe levels, he will recommend mitigation. Mitigation techniques include installing the best practices, using a radon monitor, and taking measures to lower the levels when they get too high. Mitigating your home’s radon levels is essential for your and your family’s safety, as radon is a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer, kidney disease, and aneurysms. 

Radon is a naturally occurring gas found almost anywhere. It is a radioactive gas produced from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks. On the breakdown, it rises and seeps into homes through cracks and openings in the foundation, walls, floors, or ceilings. Radon was initially believed to be found in basements and crawl spaces but this turned out to be a myth because research has proven radon can be present anywhere or at any level of your home. It is also a misconception that we are safe from radon inside our homes; unfortunately, radon is in higher concentrations inside homes as compared to the outside. This means the homes we consider safe are a breeding ground for this lethal gas. This article will provide the necessary information on protecting yourself and your family from radon exposure and how much a radon test may cost you.

The Importance of Mitigating & Monitoring Radon Levels in Your Home

Radon gas is said to be lethal because it has been linked to lung cancer. The EPA recommends that all homes should be tested for radon levels, and if the levels are high enough, 4.0 pCi/L being the acceptable level, mitigation techniques should be implemented immediately.

Radon mitigation techniques include installing the best systems for radon mitigation, using a radon monitor, and taking other measures such as ventilation to lower the levels when they get too high. Mitigating your home’s radon levels is important because of health concerns.

So what exactly is radon mitigation? Radon mitigation is reducing the levels of radon gas in a building. Many methods are available, including over-the-counter or online DIY kits and professional radon mitigation systems. The best way for you will depend on your budget and the radon level in your home. If you want to reduce your radon levels to below 4 pCi/L, then a DIY kit is not reliable enough. You will need a professional to do the job for you.

Radon mitigation systems are installed by professionals who know the best way to keep radon levels low. It is essential to have a professional install your system since they know how to do it properly and make sure that radon is not escaping into your home’s air.

If you have decided that you want to install a radon mitigation system, you should consult a professional who can help you find the best option for your needs. The professional inspector will make sure that the vents are extended out so that they can release radon out into the environment and away from your home.

How Much Does Radon Testing Cost In Maryland?

The health risks associated with radon exposure are high even when it’s not being breathed in directly. Radon exposure, especially during childhood and adolescence, can increase the risk of developing lung cancer later in life. This is because radon exposure affects DNA repair mechanisms in cells, which leads to mutations that increase the risk of cancer.

Without testing, it’s impossible to know whether you have radon in your home. A certified radon mitigation contractor can test for radon (est. $100 – $200) depending on the house, how it is constructed, and where it is located. A DIY test kit, available from many home improvement stores, can be purchased for around $20 but is not very reliable. The EPA recommends having your home tested for radon levels every two years. If you’re having difficulty finding a qualified technician, there are several resources online where you can find an experienced professional to set up a radon mitigation system for you..

How To Protect Your Home From Radon?

There are many places where radon might enter your home, including cracks in foundation walls and pipe penetration spots. It is essential to look for these places before sealing them up with caulk or other sealants. The issue is that most of the points from where radon may enter your home are either hidden behind walls or might be so small that they aren’t visible. Residents usually make their homes air-tight during winters to prevent cold drafts from coming inside. The warm house surrounded by cooler air had lower pressure than the air around it. This way, the house acts like a vacuum sucking up radon from the ground into the living quarters. To ensure this doesn’t happen, seal your foundation correctly. Has it been inspected for any cracks or leaks? The first step to making yourself safe is sealing your home’s foundation well. 

To protect yourself from radon, you must ensure that your home is well-ventilated and has an air circulation system. You also need to check on your home’s ventilation system regularly, for which you can consult a professional Maryland home inspector.