Radon mitigation refers to the steps used to decrease radon concentrations in breathing areas of occupied buildings. Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that seeps into homes and buildings when cracks in the foundation, walls, or floors allow it to escape from beneath the floor. It is invisible, odorless, and without any taste which cannot be detected by human sense to diagnose it. Increased radon exposure over long periods is accountable for causing lung cancer hence making its mitigation important and necessary.
Why is Radon Mitigation Important?
After smoking, radon gas is the second most common cause of lung cancer and kills thousands annually. All 50 U.S. states have homes with some type of level of radon, and because radon is found in ground soil, it becomes increasingly important to continue testing for the radioactive gas and installing mitigation systems if necessary.
How Does Radon Enter Homes?
Radon gas itself comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can seep into homes through
- Cracks in solid floors
- Construction joints
- Cracks in walls
- Gaps around service pipes
- Cavities inside walls
- The water supply (less common)
Radon Mitigation Symptoms
Radon does not cause symptoms in the short term, but long-term exposure to high concentrations can contribute to lung cancer. It is tasteless, colorless, and odorless so symptoms of radon exposure are not recognizable to the average person until they develop into more severe conditions. Unfortunately, there are no “early” physical symptoms (such as coughing and wheezing) similar to those caused by visible particles when they reach the higher parts of your lunge line. In practice, however, breathing in radon might take many years before its effects are known — typically respiratory problems or lung cancer. Thus, testing and mitigation are the only sure ways to prevent these possible health hazards.
Radon Mitigation Techniques
- Common Methods of Radon Mitigation Sub-Slab Depressurization (SSD): The most common way to mitigate elevated levels of radon. Popular mitigation systems use a fan to draw radon gas from underneath the home and then pipe it outside.
- Mitigation System For Sump Pump Radon: The radon mitigation system can be put in for houses that have a sump pump and the installation is pretty much similar to any other passive or active type of soil suction method. The sump is then sealed and covered with a lid, allowing the radon gas to be vented off.
- Drain-Tile Depressurization: This is the same concept as SSD but with a drain tile or perforated pipe that might already be in place in your foundation to direct radon away from the home.
- Base Block Suction: This system vacuums radon out of hollow block foundations and releases it outside.
- Sealing: More of a preventive control measure, sealing cracks and other openings in the foundation can help reduce radon entry into your home as well as the effectiveness of any further radiation reduction strategies.
The Radon Mitigation Process
- Radon Testing: The beginning of the process involves testing for radon levels; this is usually done with either a short-term or long-term radon test kit.
- Install a System: When the radon levels are above 4 pCi/L (an action level established by EPA) a mitigation system needs to be installed in your home, and it should only ever be done by properly trained professionals.
- Post-Installation Testing: A test is performed after the system has been installed to verify that radon levels have been reduced.
- Maintenance: You want to make sure that your system maintenance is up-to-date, consistently checking the fan and sealing of the mitigation helps you maintain protection.
Costs of Radon Mitigation
The price of radon mitigation systems will vary depending on the home’s size, foundation style, and how complicated a system is needed. Homeowners pay $800 to $2,500 on average for installation. It seems like a big expense, but the peace of mind and health benefits gained over time will cover that.
Is Radon Mitigation Worth It?
The answer is yes, radon mitigation is worth it! The main cause to be able to escape radon is its safety against health risks, especially lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, so securing a radon mitigation system can be investing in your life. In Sentencing: Findings in the Raynaud Extermination, we learn how radon mitigation can add value to a home. In terms of the potential health hazards and peace of mind it contributes, this is very good value for money radon mitigation.
How Effective Are Radon Mitigation Systems?
The good news is that radon mitigation systems are very effective if they are installed and work correctly. Depending on initial levels and climatic conditions this can typically get indoor radon concentrations down by 99% or more of what they were before. The most effective Example for this is Subslab depressurization systems which will almost always reduce radon levels below the action level, especially when properly installed and activated (Post-Installation Testing), followed by proper periodic follow-up maintenance. When properly installed, a mitigation system nearly always offers long-term protection from radon exposure and subsequent health risks.
Radon Mitigation in St. Louis
St. Louis, with its strange geological history, is another place that requires vigilant homeowners when it comes to radon levels. Radon gas is a common household hazard, especially among homes with basements or slab foundations. Aware of the health dangers related to high radon levels, several St. Louis locals are relying on proficient remediation companies so that they can easily insure their houses from harm — both short-term and lasting.
Air Sense Environmental – The Most Trusted Radon Mitigation In St. Louis
Air Sense Environmental is proud to be the top St. Louis radon mitigation company. With their many years of experience and dedication to helping homeowners protect themselves against radon, Air Sense Environmental can provide complete testing and mitigation services. With only the most advanced methods employed by trained professionals, they can deliver precise radon readings and implement industry-grade mitigation measures specially designed to fit a home. Targeting the St. Louis area for radon mitigation allows Air Sense Environmental to provide a larger service in helping make your home safer and keeping you and your family from contracting ill effects due to high levels of it within living quarters.
Conclusion
Radon mitigation is very important to lower the levels of it in houses and save people from those health hazards that can be caused by prolonged exposure. Familiarising themselves with the types of radon removal methods available, as well the mechanisms by which it can invade a home and find its solutions are facets most homeowners will get something from.
