You might know, but there’s a high chance you’re breathing underthreat. Underthreat? Yes, in your home. You might be breathing radon, making your indoor living environment challenging and hazardous. Radon – colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas can make your life a headache. It’s reported that approximately 50% of Ohio homes have elevated radon levels. Thus, there is a higher chance of risks. And to your surprise, radon is also the second leading cause of lung cancer for smokers. Leading to thousands of deaths every year. Quite alarming, no?
But it gets worse. The radon exposure causes no immediate symptoms. So, you will still be unaware if your indoor air has been compromised. This does seem like a dead end, but it isn’t. You can still handle the situation with radon inspection and testing.
This blog will discuss the importance of radon inspection and why it is necessary. Let’s start before it gets too late.
The Dangers of Radon
The biggest danger of radon is it being the cause of lung cancer. It does cause other damages too. Once you inhale radon, it releases radioactive particles, damaging the cells lining the lungs. Later, this develops into lung cancerous cells. Now, this is for non-smokers. Whereas smokers who experience radon exposure are at greater risk of lung cancer. These dangers make it important for you to conduct a radon test. Especially if you or someone in your home smokes.
How Radon Enters Homes
Radon has different entry points. It can enter from cracks or openings (sometimes both) in the walls, floors, foundation, and other areas in contact with the ground. Furthermore, it can also get into the home (or, more likely, “seep” into the house) through well water. Once the gas has barged into the home, it can become trapped and accumulate to dangerous levels. Again, you can’t detect it without proper testing, so that’s a must, especially for your Columbus, Ohio, home.
What is Radon Inspection?
A radon inspection involves gathering radon gas or its radioactive particles for analysis. This sampling allows the inspector to calculate the radon’s overall level in the air and indoors. During the inspection, professionals use special equipment to measure the radon’s concentration. They note this down for a specific period. The results of these tests are measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). And the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends taking action if levels are at or above 4.0 pCi/L. So, this is the limit, actually.
The Importance of Radon Inspection
Radon inspection in Columbus, Ohio, is important for various reasons.
Firstly, it helps you determine if the home has elevated radon levels. Testing is the only way to understand the presence of radon levels. Once the radon levels are identified, you can take the necessary steps to handle the issue and reduce the radon exposure. During the process, inspectors or experts use specialized equipment that accurately measures radon levels. The inspection is typically non-intrusive and provides reliable results within a short period.
Furthermore, radon inspections also play a significant role in real estate transactions. Many homebuyers consider radon inspections as a part of their home inspection process. High radon levels impact a home’s value and can deter potential buyers. Once you conduct a radon inspection before enlisting your house on the market, you can address radon issues proactively. This also ensures a smoother and more successful transaction.
Radon testing also promotes the overall well-being and health of your home. But the hack is to maintain radon levels. If you reside in your home with young children, then it’s especially crucial to schedule radon inspections, as these individuals are more susceptible to radon’s harmful effects.
How Radon Testing Works
Radon testing uses a couple of methods, including short-term and long-term testing.
First, consider short-term tests. These tests usually last from a couple of days to a week and provide a snapshot of radon levels in the home’s area. On the other hand, long-term tests measure radon levels for longer periods. Usually, they take over 90 days and also provide an accurate representation of average radon concentrations.
Furthermore, different radon testing devices could be used for radon inspections. These include passive and active devices. Passive devices don’t use power to function and are also easier to use. Examples of passive devices are charcoal canisters and alpha-track detectors. Active devices are powered and provide real-time measurements of radon levels. An example of an active device is a radon monitor.
Choosing a testing method and device depends on factors such as:
- Cost
- Convenience
- Specific requirements of the situation
How to Mitigate Radon Levels
If the results of radon inspections highlight elevated radon levels in your home. You need to take proactive measures to handle and reduce those levels.
You can start by sealing openings and cracks in the foundation. Moreover, you can also improve ventilation and install a radon mitigation system. This includes a fan and a vent pipe that can draw away radon gas from beneath the home and expose it outside. This is an effective method to reduce radon levels to safe limits.
Conclusion
Radon inspection in Columbus, Ohio, plays a vital role. Especially when most homes experience elevated radon levels.
The silent and invisible threat of home poses serious health risks. So you need to prioritize radon testing and mitigation measures. Investing in radon inspections can safeguard your family’s well-being and ensure a healthier living environment.
Scheduling proactive radon testing also aligns with regulatory requirements. This can increase property value by demonstrating a commitment to safety and health. Getting a radon inspection promises peace of mind. It also highlights the responsible approach to homeownership.
Ensure the safety of your home with Linkhorn Home Inspections. Schedule your thorough radon inspection today to gain valuable insights into your property’s condition.
