How to deal with radon?

Are you feeling dizzy, sluggish, or experiencing headaches? Did you know that it might be because of the presence of a radioactive gas called radon in your home? Don’t worry; this article is here to guide you on how to deal with radon effectively.

What Is Radon?

Radon is an odorless and colorless gas that comes from naturally occurring uranium in soil and rock. It can enter your home through cracks in basements, floors, walls, pipes, or crawl spaces.

The Danger of Radon Exposure

Exposure to radon over time can lead to lung cancer. It’s a severe health hazard representing the second leading cause of lung cancer after tobacco smoke. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nearly one out of every 15 homes have elevated levels of radon gas.

What Are the Signs You Have High Levels Of Radon?

Radons are hard to detect without testing for them due†to their qualities being odorless and colorless. Hence frequent testing should occur at different times within one year intervals using long-term tests(filters).

Other signs indicating high levels include:

  • Yellowing leaves
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Weaknesses
  • Lethargy
  • Coughs shown(noticeable)

If these symptoms occur frequently after moving into new environments(e.g houses,school) ,be quick enough and inform authorities about your suspicions.

Measuring Radon Levels

To determine if you have high levels radons, measure with a device known as a “continuous monitor,” while others use activated charcoal detectors which passively absorb air around an area before measuring radiation within it. Long term filters give considerably accurate measurements unlike short term filters may seem appropriate but offer less precision results since they√¢¬Ä¬ôre only used for some hours.

What Are Safe Radon Levels?

One can never be too sure when dealing with these home invasions, and in the case of radon awareness, knowledge is key. Until 2005, officials were mandated a threshold level “safe” for human habitation set at ‚àö¬µCi/L( picocuries per liter) that was then reduced to 2 pCI/L after exhaustive studies[vii]. The lower limit has been in effect since then. However, experts believe that no amount of radiation exposure from radons is entirely safe.

How Can You Lower Your Radon Levels?

Various methods prove adequate solutions notably underground ventilation systems(filter pipes), Sump pumps(Classic solution for all water problems) among others like sealing wall cracks or concrete bottom cover-ups reaching out to professional structural engineers as a last resort if need be.

Ventilation Systems

The installation of an underground ventilation system involves drilling holes into your foundation and placing PVC pipe below it near items classified as high priority(e.g ducts) thereby pumping air through this system which eventually pushes out any present radon gasses outside safely without posing health risks to those nearby outdoor environments [iv].

Sump Pumps

Another competent way to deal with radon ranges between installing sump-pumps(The classic answer†to drainage issues most homes face; don’t forget about basement waterproofing.) Drainage systems exist in households equipped enough by Œ±Certified Professionals‚Äô using the right equipment available[inventory_list]{reasonability). They pump water away onto designated areas (through piping hoses)[iv] outside adjacent space-Next exterior soil quality regardless; make sure locals have easy access(sticking points within sight).

Ensure a more likely successful implementation plan take safety measures are taken precaution because sullied drainage is not fit for potable usage(relating groundwater densities where relevant)[xvii]

Sealing Wall Cracks

Existing cracks are prime entry point for radon and allowing them would consequently breach your safety concerns on exposure[iv]. Engage professionals offering to fix breaches appropriately. If possible, they’d plug those openings with a foam sealant or other relevant material as efficiency warrants.

Concrete Bottom Cover-Ups

Depending on the type of foundation available(e.g poured concrete) cover-ups prove a solution where applicable .A slightly different approach involves placing plastic sheeting over it then finalize by installing rigid insulation brackets ensuring that no gas penetrates from beneath these points[v]

DIY Radon Mitigation Solutions

Some easy quick fix(Alternative Budget Friendly Approaches suggested below:)

  1. Opening some windows
  2. Use plug-in air purifiers(emphasize suitability before proceeding)
  3. Consider fogging any leaks identified indoors
    4.Create an airflow through duct(workable in appropriate cases)[xiv]
    5.Paint roof spaces with waterproof painting materials if plausible(iv)

Although the most effective way forward when dealing with high levels ranges between professional intervention;Nevertheless Use common sense considering uncanny solutions provided above at dire circumstances when hired solution providers couldn’t be reached out thus opting for contingency plans like do-it-yourself remedies .

Wrapping Up!

Radons exposure is undoubtedly hazardous, causing fatal lung cancer infections amongst individuals frequently exposed among other potential health risks too numerous to mention here including radioactive dust production via decay [vii]?effective measures must, therefore ,be implemented using detailed consideration whose†perfect results rely majorly on committed laws enforcement within states promising healthy living standards henceforth.[xix] Keep yourself and family protected by testing all parts of your home regularly(), mitigate overall indoor air quality challenges while adopting simple Do-It-Yourself solutions tactics keeping hands-cough colds away through creating better happiness-inducing lifestyle changes.]

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