About Radon Mitigation

Radon is a naturally occurring gas in the Earth's crust. However, it is a dangerous gas to humans. It damages the lining of the lungs, and it can cause numerous deadly respiratory diseases. In particular, radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Fortunately, there are steps that individuals can take to protect themselves.   

Testing for Radon

Test kits for radon are inexpensive and widely available. Radon testing kits are required by law to conform to the standards that the Environmental Protection Agency has established for radon. Therefore, the lowest priced test kit will accomplish the same objective as the most expensive.

When testing for radon, place the kit at the lowest point in the home. Since radon leaks from below the surface of the soil, the air at the lowest point of the house will be contaminated first. The entire testing process will take approximately one week to complete.

Mitigating Radon

There is only one method of effectively mitigating radon gas. You must use an active mitigation system. An active mitigation system will seal the floor of the home. This will prevent the gas from seeping into the home. Also, an active mitigation system use fans and ducting to direct the gas a safe distance from the home.

Preventing Radon Prior to Construction

Outside of active mitigation systems, there is no way to prevent radon gas from seeping into your home. Also, you will not know if radon will accumulate in your home prior to construction. The only method of maintaining safe levels of radon gas in your home is to test regularly, and use an active mitigation system. For this reason, if you are building a new home, then you should include an active radon removal system in your homes design.