Has Your Home Had a Radon Test?
We are in the midst of winter, and while you’re cozying up indoors, there’s one important home safety check you shouldn’t ignore: radon testing.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil. It can seep into your home through cracks in the foundation, crawl spaces, and even well water. Because it’s colorless and odorless, the only way to know if radon is present at dangerous levels is through testing.
Why Should You Care About a Radon Test?
Radon is the #1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and smokers are at an even higher risk when exposed. According to the EPA. If you’re a smoker, your risk increases significantly when combined with radon exposure. Long-term exposure to high radon levels can have serious health consequences, even if you don’t smoke.
The EPA has set an action level of 4.0 pCi/L—but this is a personal decision, and homeowners can choose to mitigate radon at lower levels if they wish.
Winter Is the Best Time to Test for Radon
Cold weather makes for ideal testing conditions because homes are sealed up, allowing radon levels to build up indoors. With more time spent inside during the winter months, ensuring your home’s air is safe is more important than ever.
What If Your Home Has Elevated Radon Levels?
Don’t panic — radon mitigation is possible. A professional can install a mitigation system that helps vent radon outside, reducing levels in your home.
Even if your test results come back low, the EPA recommends re-testing every two years if you do not have a mitigation system in place.
Get Informed and Take Action
To learn more about radon testing and safety, check out these helpful resources:
- How Radon Gets Into Homes
- How to Test Your Home for Radon
- Next Steps If an Elevation Is Found
- Health Risks of Radon
It’s important to note that not all radon tests are equally accurate. The free canister test kits provide a basic reading, but multi-chamber continuous monitoring systems, placed by a certified Radon Testing Professional, offer more precise and tamper-resistant results. These professional systems measure factors like humidity, air pressure, and temperature to give a full picture of radon levels in your home.
Radon is invisible, and the risk is real. Testing your home is simple, and if needed, mitigation can make a big difference for your health and peace of mind. Stay proactive — request your free test kit and make sure your indoor air is safe for you and your family.
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Informational Credits: Melanie Spradling with Spradling Home Inspections.