As a homeowner, one of the most important aspects of home improvement is of course indoor air quality (IAQ). Surprisingly, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reckons over 67% of households have no systems to cleanse air in the home.
To appreciate the reason the US EPA is so persistent about IAQ, you need to have an overview of the poisonous Radon gas impact on your health. The American Lung Association (ALA) says that this gas is the major cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second leading cause among smokers.
With studies showing most homes have high levels of this gas, Radon mitigation becomes an ineluctable part of modern day home improvement. This not only protects your family but also saves you thousands of dollars that you would accrue trying to treat respiratory attacks and the more serious cancer threat.
What You Need to Know about Radon Mitigation
It might be cliché but you can’t deny that knowledge is power. To ensure you protect your family against risks associated with this toxic gas consider these factors:
-
Understanding Radon Gas
The American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) in its resource page refers to this gas as a colorless, odorless and tasteless noble gas occurring naturally in the air. It is the only gas that has only radioactive isotopes and therein lies the problem.
Its radioactivity capability is a health hazard and studies on it are limited.
-
Radon Mitigation
Any processes used to reduce this gas in your home falls under the realm of mitigation. The US EPA recommends mitigation if levels are 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or above. Indeed, scientists argue there is no safe level for this gas and any detection by any system you use should naturally instigate efforts to reduce it.
-
Mitigation Methods
It is critical to use a state certified and qualified Radon mitigation expert to ensure your safety. Once you have contacted such a professional they will first carry out testing using specialized equipment. Indeed, there are Radon testing products available in the market but these cannot replace expertise offered by an established contractor.
Some of the systems used by modern specialists include:
- Heat recovery ventilator unit
- Home pressurization
- Foundation crack and gap sealing
- Soil suction and exhaust systems
- Natural ventilation
Truth be told, the whole business of Radon mitigation is convoluted and very technical. It is a labor intensive undertaking which only an established mitigation contractor can manage. These experts have prerequisite skills, safety precaution knowhow, personnel, equipment and knowledge of the law regarding this poisonous gas which makes them the ideal Radon gas busters.
Why take risks with your life? Get rid of Radon from your home today!