Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in soils, rock, and water throughout the United States. Over time, however, radon gas can collect in dangerously high concentrations within homes and commercial buildings. As a result, radon gas has become the leading cause of lung cancer, second only to smoking.
Because homes and buildings typically have a lower air pressure than the surrounding outside air and soil, outside air is literally “sucked” into the home. This is due in part to the effects of exhaust fans working to expel interior air along with warm building air drafting through and out of the house. These mechanical and thermal effects cause outside air, full of radon and other gases, to be drawn into the building. Typically, this replacement air comes from the soil.
Whenever air enters a building from underneath, any radon present in the underlying soil will most likely enter the building as well. The level of radon is dependent on the soil conditions, which vary around the state of Georgia. Radon levels can also vary from season to season. This is a function of climate and the use of the home by occupants (windows/doors being open vs. being closed).
The first step in dealing with radon in any home is a radon test. Most short-term tests can be completed in just 48 hours. Depending on your test results, you may need to either re-test or install a radon mitigation in your home.
The EPA recommends implementing a radon mitigation strategy if the results from one long-term test or one CRM test show radon levels of 4.0 pCi/L or higher. The EPA also notes that radon levels below 4.0 pCi/L still pose a risk, and with today’s radon mitigation technology radon levels in most buildings can be reduced to 2.0 pCi/L or less.
Cook’s Radon provides certified tests and radon mitigation strategies for residential homes, new construction homes, and any type of large bulding or multifamily home. Your free estimate is just a click or call away.
