Hazards To Your Home – Radon Gas

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According to the EPA, exposure to indoor radon gas is estimated to cause up to

 

30,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the US. Because radon is a mobile inert gas,

 

it is able to migrate through soil and rock into the atmosphere where it is quickly diluted.

 

A past study by the EPA and Wisconsin Health Dept. estimated that almost 27% of

 

Wisconsin homes would have radon screening results above the EPA guideline.

 

As we have learned since, radon exposure in the home is as much a function of home

 

construction and ventilation as it is of geographical location.

 

 

 

Once radon enters the home from soil gases or water supplies, the home’s construction

 

and ventilation determine the concentration that develops within the living environment.

 

Modern, energy efficient homes may reduce the amount of radon entering the home but

 

may also increase the concentration because of reduced ventilation and outdoor air

 

exchange rate. Older, drafty homes may have better ventilation but may also have larger

 

areas exposed to the soil. Radon typically enters the home through cracks in the

 

foundation, perforated drain tiles, sump wells, crawl spaces or around plumbing and

 

sewer pipe foundation penetrations.

 

 

 

While it is impossible to prevent any radon from entering a home, a significant reduction

 

to satisfactory levels is always achievable. This is accomplished by sealing areas of

 

exposed earth, dilution of the indoor air or a combination of both. Because of the

 

complexity in predicting elevated indoor radon levels, the EPA strongly encourages

 

testing for radon regardless of where you live or what type of home you occupy. In the

 

Wisconsin study, some of the highest radon levels were found next to homes with very

 

low levels.

 

 

 

Most relocation companies require that a radon test be performed and that the result fall

 

within acceptable guidelines. The good news is that radon is easy and inexpensive to test

 

for. If you’re looking to sell your home, be proactive and test it for radon so that you can

 

show prospective buyers that you are a responsible homeowner and your home is safe.

 

To watch home improvement videos go to http://www.crewcuttv.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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