As cancer-causing as tobacco smoke & asbestos - Have your home tested for Radon today!
Is your family at risk?
According to the Centers for Disease Control;
Radon is an odorless, colorless, radioactive gas. It is also the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Surgeon General’s office estimate radon is responsible for more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Since it is difficult to identify any immediate symptoms related to radon exposure, it may take years before health problems appear. So, whether in the workplace, in homes, or in schools, understanding radon is important. This includes learning how radon gets into buildings, its health effects, and ways to reduce its levels.
How radon enters your home
Radon is a gas that occurs naturally from the breakdown—or the radioactive decay—of uranium. Rocks, soil, and in some cases groundwater can all contain uranium. Because radon comes from so many sources, people are easily exposed to it. Exposure can occur through breathing outdoor air, in buildings and homes, and by eating or drinking (ingestion). Radon gas can seep through cracks in buildings and expose people to the radiation, which can lead to severe health problems. The EPA lists the following ways that radon can get into buildings:
- Cracks in solid floors and walls
- Construction joints
- Gaps in suspended floors
- Gaps around service pipes
- Cavities inside walls
- The water supply
Here are some tips to lowering your home (and your families) risks with Radon exposure according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency;
Since there is no known safe level of radon, there can always be some risk. But the risk can be reduced by lowering the radon level in your home. There are several proven methods to reduce radon in your home, but the one primarily used is a vent pipe system and fan, which pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it to the outside. This system, known as a soil suction radon reduction system, does not require major changes to your home. Sealing foundation cracks and other openings makes this kind of system more effective and cost-efficient.
Lowering high radon levels requires technical knowledge and special skills. You should use a contractor who is trained to fix radon problems. A qualified contractor can study the radon problem in your home and help you pick the right treatment method.
MidAmerica Basement Systems has the solution! Our radon gas experts can inspect your home and install a mitigation system to significantly reduce radon problems within your home! MidAmerica Basement Systems is a locally owned company specializing in radon testing and radon mitigation systems. In as little as two days we can fully inspect and conduct a radon test in your home, to ensure you a safe and healthier home. Call us today at 1-800-541-8006 to schedule your free inspection!