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Q: I’ve been hearing a lot recently about how dangerousradon gascan be. I purchased a test kit for my home, but I don’t know what levels are considered high. Could you please explainsafe radon levelsto help me understand whether there is anything I’ll need to do after testing my home?
A : examination for radon gas is a smart idea . Radon , a radioactive gasthat is turn from water , grime , and rock , is invisible and has no smell . The gasoline can make its path into a home through shot or holes in the foundation or railroad siding . Because you could not see or smell it , there is no way to have intercourse that radon is present in a house without performing a mental testing . examination is authoritative because radon gas can pose a serious threat to the health and prophylactic of those living in a home .
grant to theUnited States Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) , just about 1 out of every 15 homes has radon levels that are considered unsafe . If you have n’t essay for radon levels in the house , now is the time to take this of import footstep to protect yourself and your loved ones . say on to get wind more about safe radon layer and when remediation is necessary .
There are no safe levels of radon.
If you ’ve been asking , “ what are good radon levels , ” the inauspicious response is that no spirit level of exposure to radon gas is considered safe . Radon levels can diverge from one dwelling house to the next and can even fluctuate over clip . broadly talk , radon levels are highest during the winter months . One of the explanation for this is that coke and trash can form a irregular roadblock over the land . As a result , seeping into the origination or basement of a menage is the well-heeled manner for the gas to travel . cellar atomic number 86 levels are typically the highest , but the gas still can spread to the upper stories of a house and gravel a threat .
Moreover , during winter the warm line inside a home ascending and cash in one’s chips out through vents and other openings along the ceiling . As this warm airwave escapes the home , colder air is pull out into the home from below the primer coat , meaning that any radon gas present below the home will also be pulled in with the cold-blooded air . This is referred to as the thermal wad effect . However , even though its levels may be high in the winter , radon gas still can be in your home during the warmer summertime calendar month .
Long - term photo to radon gas can be hazardous . TheCenters for Disease Controlexplains that , next to cigarette smoke , radon is the leading lawsuit of lung cancer . It is believe to be creditworthy for cause about 21,000 demise each yr .
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Testing is the best way to understand radon levels in your home.
Because it is odorless and unseeable , the only way to determine the radon gas level in your home plate is through testing . There are a few differenttypes of radon test uncommitted . The first is a brusque - terminus testing outfit that will need to be place on the lowest degree of your habitation for between 2 and 90 daytime ( depending on the specific intersection you prefer ) . After the required examination window , you will send the kit for processing in a lab , and will then receive the results of the test .
longsighted - term testing kit also are available . These kits — which are left out for more than 90 day — can present a more accurate delineation of the radon level in a rest home over meter . Since they are left out for so long , they can better track fluctuating levels and allow for a in effect idea of the province of your house . zephyr quality proctor pop the question another option for longsighted - term monitoring of radon levels .
In add-on to chink the tune in your home , radon testingshould be conducted for the water in a well . Because the concentrations of the accelerator pedal are high below ground , well piss can also be affected by radon . you’re able to purchase radon water test kits to allow you to affirm whether you will need a treatment arrangement for your well H2O .
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recall , radon level can fluctuate and transfer over clock time . Even if the tests do not yield high levels , theEPArecommends retesting about every 2 year .
Radon levels of 4.0 pCi/L and above are considered high.
Remember , no level of exposure to radon is considered safe , so the low the stage in a home plate the well . If the radon level of your home is 4 pCi / L ( picocuries per liter ) or more , however , it is considered high . With concentrations over 4 pCi / L , theEPArecommends redress to lower the radon level in the place .
Keep in judgement that outside radon levels average about 0.4 pCi / L , and the average atomic number 86 level inside American home base is about 1.3 pCi / L. Acceptable radon levels are those that are less than 2 pCi / L. Even if your home fall below the gamy radon levels of 4 pCi / L , the EPA still suggest taking steps to depress radon levels that are above 2 pCi / L.
The more you can lower levels of radon in your home, the better.
Taking footmark to lower radon levels is of import since no level of exposure is believe safe . fortuitously , there are several thing you could do to lower radon level , so be sure to factor in these options before walking off frombuying a menage that has high radon levels .
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