How to Test for Radon (And Why It's Important)

Did you know that radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers? And that radon has really negative effects on children as well? 

What is Radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas. It is odorless, tasteless, and invisible, making it impossible to detect without proper testing. Testing for radon in your home is crucial to ensure the safety of your family.

Some side effects of radon exposure include respiratory issues, such as coughing and shortness of breath, as well as an increased risk of developing lung cancer. 

Radon can have negative effects on children's health, just like it does on adults. Children are at a higher risk of developing health issues from radon exposure because their lungs are still developing and they tend to breathe in more air relative to their body weight compared to adults. 

It is important to note that the effects of radon exposure may not be immediately noticeable, as it can take many years for symptoms or health problems to develop. That is why it is crucial to test for radon in your home and take appropriate measures to reduce levels if necessary, in order to protect the health of you and your loved ones.

How does radon enter your home?

Radon enters your home through cracks and openings in the foundation, walls, and floors. It can also seep into your home through well water or building materials. Since radon is a gas, it can easily move through soil and rock layers and find its way into the air you breathe indoors.

How to test for radon?

To test for radon, you can use do-it-yourself test kits or hire a professional. DIY test kits are available at hardware stores and online, and they typically include instructions on how to conduct the test accurately.

The most common type of DIY test involves placing a small detector in the lowest livable area of your home (such as your basement) for a specified period, usually between 2 and 7 days. 

It's crucial to conduct regular follow-up tests for radon since its levels can fluctuate over time due to various factors such as weather conditions or changes in ventilation patterns within your home.

Regular Testing

It's important to note that testing for radon should be done on a regular basis, especially if you live in an area known for high radon levels or if you've made any changes to your home's foundation or ventilation systems. Additionally, it's recommended to test for radon during colder months when windows and doors are more likely to be closed, trapping the gas indoors.

Recommend detector for testing for radon

Top Pick: Airthings Corentium Home Radon Detector

This detector is easy to use, with a clear display that shows the current radon levels as well as long-term average readings. It also has built-in alarms that will alert you if the radon levels exceed the recommended safety limits.

With its compact size and portability, you can easily move the detector around your home to test different areas.

You can buy this detector directly from Amazon here.

Mitigation

In addition to using a radon detector, it's important to take preventive measures to reduce radon levels if necessary.

Radon mitigation techniques vary depending on the structure of your home and the specific entry points of radon.

Commonly used methods include sub-slab depressurization (installing a vent pipe beneath your foundation), sealing cracks and openings, improving ventilation systems, and installing a radon mitigation system. Be sure to speak with a professional or reach out to us with questions if you find yourself needing mitigation measures

In Conclusion

If you're considering building a new home, consider working we us. We use the utmost care and top of the line quality to make sure your home is safe and sound. If you are thinking of building a home in the Dane County, Wisconsin area, let's connect.

Otherwise, be sure to ask questions to any builder you hire about their process for radon mitigation. 

Testing for radon is essential for protecting your family's health. Whether you choose to use a testing kit or hire a professional service, regularly monitoring radon levels in your home will help ensure that appropriate measures are taken if elevated levels are detected.

By being proactive about testing for radon in your home and taking appropriate measures to reduce its levels, you can ensure the safety and well-being of your family. Remember, radon is a silent danger that can have serious health consequences, so it's always better to be safe than sorry.