Radon refers to a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and inert. This gas can impact indoor air quality and put you and anyone else who comes into contact with it in danger. With help from a trusted indoor air quality inspection and testing company, you can protect against radon issues at your home or business.
At Ambient Edge, we understand the risks that come with radon exposure. Our team can teach you about radon and other indoor pollutants and help you guard against them. To get started, please reach out to us.
What You Need to Know About Radon
Radon comes from the natural radioactive decay of uranium, the World Health Organization (WHO) points out. It is found in all types of rocks. In addition, radon can be present in water.
You can breathe in radioactive particles of radon both outdoors and indoors. These particles can reach the cells that line your airways. When they do, they can cause damage.
If you breathe in radon outdoors, it is typically not a problem. Trace amounts of radon are naturally present outdoors. Generally, outdoor exposure to radon will not compromise a person’s health, but problems can arise when the gas gets trapped inside a building.
How Radon Can Affect Your Health
Radon represents the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Also, WHO estimates that radon causes between 3-14% of all lung cancers in a given country. Furthermore, WHO notes that radon is more likely to cause lung cancer in people who smoke in comparison to those who do not.
In many instances, radon enters a building through cracks and other holes. When this happens, people can be exposed to radon that accumulates over time. If a person is exposed to radon for an extended period of time, they become increasingly susceptible to radon-related lung cancer.
Do not wait to find out if the radon level is higher than average at your home or business. With help from Ambient Edge, you can address any radon issues before they escalate. For more information, please get in touch with us.
How to Protect Against Radon Exposure
You can conduct a test for radon at any time. There are many reasons why people choose to perform radon testing. These include:
- You are unsure about the radon level at your home or business.
- You are planning to buy or sell a home or business.
- Building renovations or repairs were recently completed.
Two types of tests for radon are available: short- and long-term kits. A short-term kit lets you measure a building’s radon levels over the course of two to 90 days. Meanwhile, a long-term kit allows you to track a building’s radon levels for up to one year.
You can test for radon and other indoor air pollutants. By doing so, you can find out if multiple contaminants are present. From here, you can take steps to limit your exposure to these pollutants.
When to Get a Radon Reduction System
EPA recommends installing a radon reduction system if the radon level is at or above 4 picocuries/liter (pCi/L) of air. This system can lower the amount of radon in the air by up to 99%. It can serve you well long after it has been set up.
If you check the air quality at your home or business and find that the radon level is higher than average, find a qualified professional who can help you install a radon reduction system. This professional should have technical knowledge and skills relating to radon reduction. Otherwise, if you choose a professional who lacks the required knowledge and skills, they could inadvertently make your radon problem worse.
A vent pipe system and fan may work well to limit the amount of radon in your building. The system pulls radon out of a building and vents it outside. On top of that, you likely will not have to make major property renovations to make space to install this system.
What You Need to Do After You Install a Radon Reduction System
Merely installing a radon reduction system is insufficient. Following your installation, you need to make sure that the system is working correctly. Therefore, you should test the system immediately after it’s put in and continue to do so at regular intervals.
A faulty radon reduction system can cause poor indoor air quality. With periodic maintenance, you can keep your system running at peak levels. By partnering with a best-in-class indoor air quality inspection and testing provider, you can continuously protect against radon and other pollutants.
You should report any radon reduction system concerns as well. Ultimately, it is in your best interests to verify that your system works as expected. If you believe your system is defective and may negatively affect indoor air quality, notify the professional who installed the system, and they can address your concerns.
Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Radon Exposure
Radon exposure is a serious problem, and you need to plan accordingly. Along with using a radon reduction system, there are many simple and effective things that you can do to guard against radon. These include:
Open Your Windows
Circulate air by opening the windows and running fans. This increases airflow in your building. If you use natural ventilation, keep in mind that this is only a short-term and temporary solution to reduce radon.
Seal Cracks
Use plaster, caulk, or other materials to eliminate cracks in floors and walls. Radon can enter a building through these cracks. By keeping an eye out for cracks and filling them, you can prevent radon from entering your home or business.
Conduct Radon Testing
Be diligent in your efforts to protect against radon. With ongoing testing, you can identify radon issues in their early stages. If you perform a test and find that your building’s radon level is above average, connect with a qualified professional to resolve this issue.
Get Help with Radon Protection from Ambient Edge
Ambient Edge is a leading indoor air quality inspection and testing company in Arizona and Nevada. We can get to the root of your radon problem and address this issue for you. To find out more or schedule an appointment, please contact us today.