Radon is a massive problem for many households. It is a radioactive gas with no taste or smell and is almost undetectable. Radon gas is the second largest leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Consequently, the primary concern related to radon is to protect their homes from it. According to the government of Canada, the annual death rate in Canada from radon is approximately 3,200 deaths, which is elevated from the previous year and is higher than car accidents, which are 1,898 deaths. Hence, there should be strict rules at the Home Radon level.
Radon is a silent poisonous gas, and if the Home Radon level is elevated, it can lead to various health problems. Preventive actions also help safeguard homes from this potentially lethal gas. Furthermore, techniques to maintain the Home Radon level are significant as they will help reduce radon exposure.
How Radon Enters Your Home
When released from these natural sources, radon gas enters buildings and creates high indoor concentrations. Here's how radon commonly makes its way into your home:
Cracks in the Foundation
Cracks in the foundation (usually unsealed areas) can allow radon to enter directly. Slight openings in a building structure, such as those behind pipes and cables, can also let in radon gas. These are the entry points; therefore, homeowners must regularly measure their Home Radon Level.
Construction Joints and Gaps
Floors, ceilings, or areas where two or more materials are used for construction are also entry points to a building for radon. The joints usually do not form a complete seal, where radon gas can quickly enter the home. Furthermore, spaces created by service pipes, chimneys, and vents allow the radon to find another way into the house. Ensuring proper sealing of these construction joints and gaps minimizes radon entry. Ensuring proper sealing of these construction joints and gaps mitigates elevated home radon levels.
Crawl Spaces and Unfinished Basements
Home radon levels often arise in crawl spaces and unfinished basements. These areas are usually in contact with the soil, which increases the number of potential entry points. Radon can quickly move through the soil into these spaces and the rest of the home. Installing radon-resistant barriers and ensuring proper ventilation of crawl spaces and basements can help prevent radon from entering a home's living areas.
Testing for Radon
Measuring radon is crucial for ensuring a safe home environment. Radon levels are measured in becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m³). Health Canada recommends Mitigating radon levels if the concentration reaches 200 Bq/m³ or higher.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Testing
There are two primary types of home radon level tests: short-term testing and long-term testing. While both have roles, long-term testing is more accurate and always recommended for the most reliable results.
Short-Term Testing: This process needs a minimum of 96 hours, depending on the type of radon mitigation system in place or the severity of your radon issues. A short-term radon test is helpful for the initial assessment of radon concentration. Short-term tests are generally used to assess a home's current Radon levels, but follow-up testing is still recommended. Short-term tests can be affected as weather changes or if there are open windows and doors. Short-term tests should be conducted under normal living conditions rather than immediately after using a ventilation or radon mitigation system for more reliable data and by a C-NRPP-certified Radon testing professional. Some digital monitors can be used for both short-term and long-term Radon testing. They can provide preliminary results in as little as one day and build a long-term average as they are left to monitor.
Long-Term Testing: Long-term radon tests are conducted over a period ranging from 90 days to one year. These tests are more helpful in monitoring home radon levels across different seasons and fluctuating conditions. Long-term testing captures a more comprehensive view of radon exposure, accounting for the likelihood of peak radon levels occurring throughout the year. This provides a more accurate picture of the home's average radon levels over time.
Interpreting Test Results
The results derived from radon testing and how they can be interpreted are essential in identifying the necessary steps.
Low Levels (Below 100 Bq/m³):
A home with a radon level below 100 Bq/m³ is considered to have a low radon concentration. Although these levels are generally believed to be harmless, it is still wise to continue monitoring, especially if you live in an area known for higher radon levels. Health Canada recommends re-testing every five years.
Moderate Levels (100 to 200 Bq/m³):
A radon level in this range indicates a potential problem and requires attention. Long-term radon testing is recommended to determine if further mitigation measures are necessary. But suppose you are already uncomfortable with levels in this intermediate risk category. In that case, you can contact us at Great West Radon to help install a C-NRPP-certified Radon mitigation system.
High Levels (Above 200 Bq/m³):
Radon levels above 200 Bq/m³ require action. Health Canada advises homeowners to reduce radon levels in these cases. Mitigating radon exposure is essential for ensuring the health and safety of home residents. Long-term exposure to high Radon levels significantly increases the risk of long-term lung cancer diagnosis.
Effective Methods for Mitigating Radon Levels
Many Radon mitigation practices can help you lower the radon level, some more effective than others. Here are tried and trusted methods:
Homeowners Must Install a Radon Mitigation System
A radon mitigation system is designed to minimize or prevent radon from entering the home, effectively removing it from the indoor air. It is essential to hire a qualified C-NRPP-certified radon mitigation professional to advise on testing, installing, servicing, or replacing the system. Additionally, regular monitoring of the radon in your home is necessary to ensure continued effectiveness in minimizing radon levels in the air.
Sub-Slab Depressurization
Sub-membrane depressurization is an effective radon mitigation method commonly used in buildings with dirt or gravel under-floor spaces. This technique involves covering the soil in the crawl space with a thick layer of plastic and properly sealing the edges of the membrane. A fan and a pipe are installed to create suction under the membrane, drawing radon from the crawl space and venting it safely outside the building. This method helps prevent radon from entering the home through the soil and significantly reduces radon levels in crawl spaces.
Seal Cracks and Openings
A radon mitigation system is most effective when sealing radon entry points into your home; this is part of the service with Great West Radon mitigation systems. Radon can seep through cracks in the floors, gaps in the foundation, and openings around pipes and cables. We pay special attention to areas where different construction elements meet to achieve optimal results, such as the joints between walls and floors and around plumbing fixtures and electrical cables. While sealing alone does not reduce radon levels to acceptable limits, it is a critical component of an effective radon control strategy.
Practical Tips for Mitigating Radon
Now, let’s talk about some easy and helpful tips for maintaining Home Radon Levels.
Maintenance of Mitigation Systems
The monitoring components of a radon mitigation system include the radon fan, which should operate without unusual sounds or vibrations. Inspect the piping for signs of damage, such as cracks or blockages, and ensure that the vent pipe is unobstructed and the fan receives adequate power.
Many radon mitigation systems have a manometer that indicates whether the system maintains the required vacuum. It is essential to check this gauge regularly to ensure the system's efficiency. If you notice any issues or if radon levels increase, contact a radon professional for solutions to address the problem.
Other Preventive Measures that Can Support Control
While a radon mitigation system is effective, occupants may want to explore additional options to further lower radon levels and improve indoor air quality (IAQ). One fundamental step in the radon mitigation process is to enhance overall air circulation in the home, particularly in basements and crawl spaces.
Maintaining good air quality is also essential. This can be achieved by adequately servicing the home’s heating and cooling systems and incorporating effective air filtration systems.
Regularly inspect areas of concern, especially those with new cracks or gaps in the foundation or walls, and seal them promptly. Combining these practices with your radon mitigation system can create a comprehensive approach to managing radon issues.
Take Professional Help
In most cases, outside assistance may be necessary to address radon concerns. If initial readings indicate high radon levels, the tester must take appropriate steps to contact someone who can mitigate these results. Consulting a C-NRPP-certified such as Great West Radon is essential, as these professionals possess the expertise and equipment to install an effective radon mitigation system in your home.
If you already have a radon mitigation system installed and still receive high radon readings, it’s advisable to seek professional help. A radon test is also recommended if you consider purchasing a new home to confirm that the system works.
Conclusion
To effectively reduce radon levels in your home, it's essential to maintain a healthy living environment. Understanding how radon enters your home allows you to take preventive measures and ensure that your radon mitigation system is well-maintained. By doing so, you can significantly lower radon levels, enhancing the health and safety of your household. Regular testing and seeking C-NRPP professional advice are crucial components of your efforts to keep radon levels low. While not everyone may be aware, taking proactive steps with your radon mitigation system can help your family avoid the dangers of radon exposure, resulting in a healthier indoor environment.
FAQs
How Often Should I Test My Home Radon Level?
Test your home for radon every two years if you don’t have a mitigation system and every five years if you do. It is also important to test after significant renovations.
Can I Reduce Radon Levels by Myself, or Should I Hire a Professional?
While DIY methods like sealing cracks can help, a complete radon mitigation system requires a C-NRPP professional due to its complexity and risks.
Is Home Radon Level Testing and Mitigation Covered by Homeowners’ Insurance?
Insurance does not cover radon testing and mitigation.
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