- Ahmed Amin, P.E.
Radon - Is it in your Home or Future Home?
Introduction:
Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas that is released in rock, soil, and water. You can’t see radon and you can’t smell it or taste it. It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other penetrations in the foundation. Any home may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.
When is Radon a Problem:
The average indoor radon level is estimated to be about 1.3 pCi/L, and about 0.4 pCi/L of radon is normally found in the outside air. Fix your home if your radon level is confirmed to be 4 pCi/L or higher. Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a risk, and in many cases, may be reduced. If you get a radon test conducted with Outlet Home Inspections, your inspector will instruct you the level measured and whether to get the house fixed or not.
How to Reduce Radon:
EPA recommends that you use a certified or qualified radon mitigation contractor trained to fix radon problems. There are several methods a contractor can use to lower radon levels in your home. One of the more popular and effective methods include active sub-slab suction. It involves one or more suction pipes inserted through the floor slab into the crushed rock or soil underneath. For further information refer to the EPA Link #5 noted below. Furthermore, refer to the other links to learn more about Radon.
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