Written by: sharewritters
WHAT IS RADON GAS?
Radon is a gas that is thought to occur naturally. It occurs due to the breakdown of components that are radioactive. The gas is usually radioactive, odorless and colorless. The radioactive elements are found in the rocks and soil. This makes them spread out into the atmosphere and water bodies. The gas originates from the break down of radium a product of uranium.
A human being can ingest the gas through the intake of water or breathing. One can be exposed to the radon gas in either indoor or outdoor activities. The level of the effect depends on the type of soil and rocks in the area.
HOW DOES RADON GAS AFFECT THE BODY?
Radon gas is believed to be a cancer-causing agent. Prolonged exposure to the gas may lead to lung cancer. When you intake air that has radon gas, it sticks to the lining of your lungs. The particles of the gas are usually radioactive. When you breathe in air which contains radon for a long period of time, the particles will accumulate in your lungs. It would lead to damage to lung cells and hence cause lung cancer.
HOW CAN I GET RID OF RADON GAS?
You should get radon tests done regularly in your home. The tests will allow you to know if the levels are high enough to be controlled. If the levels are beyond 4pCI/L, then you need to have them monitored. The gases are thought to enter your house through cavities found on walls, water supply or gaps on the floor. You would need to call a radon specialist
After the extraction process is complete, they may suggest the best radon reduction system. The reduction system ensures the toxic gas can’t seep into the water systems. It would also minimize the entry of the gas into your house through cracks. You should also have your home inspected and repair the cracks that may be on the floor or the walls. You should ensure your windows are open to allow free air flow.
WHY SHOULD YOU GET YOUR HOME TESTED?
The gas can only be detected through testing. The gas causes cancer after inhaling for a prolonged time. It enters the lungs and leads to the mutation of cancer-causing cells. Tests should be done on a regular basis to ensure that your home is safe.
Also, having radon tests done on your property may speed up the selling process. Buyers avoid properties which don’t have radon tests reports.
WHAT IS THE BEST RADON TEST TO DO?
The process of testing for radon gas is simple and straightforward. The best option is to test to see the levels of the gas present in your home. The choice of test would be determined on how fast you need the results.
A short term test will be better if you need the results immediately. Another method you can do is the long term test. It will be a viable option if you need a test to ascertain the levels of radon gas in your property.
You can buy the test kits from stores like Amazon or hardware stores near you. If they exceed the required levels, you may involve a specialist. The specialist will assist you in getting the best solutions and further tests.
HOW ARE THE TESTS DONE?
Radon tests are done in two common ways. The test can either be a short-term test or a long-term test. A short term test is done within a duration of 2 to 90 days. The test should be done at the lowest level in your house. You should also avoid areas that are wet like your washroom.
A long term test takes more than 90 days. Once you’ve tested the levels of radon gas and the levels are safe, you can carry out a long term test. Long term tests are ideal if you need assurance of the current levels.
TYPES OF RADON GAS TEST KITS.
There are different designs of test kits that you can get from the market. The packages may either be a passive or active device.
A passive test kit does not need a power source for it to work. The passive devices come equipped with charcoal canisters and alpha detectors. You can get the best passive detectors from Amazon and PropertECO store.
Active detectors need to have a power source for it to operate. They monitor the levels of radon gas continuously to give a varied data output. They are placed in your home for 90 days before returning them for laboratory analysis.