Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in both air and water. It is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, making it undetectable without proper testing. Radon forms naturally when uranium and other radioactive metals break down or decay over time. It is measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L) in both air and water.
Radon exposure primarily occurs when the gas is inhaled after seeping through soil or through cracks in a home’s foundation. Additionally, exposure can occur when radon dissolves in groundwater or is released from well water when it is exposed to air.
As a radioactive gas, long-term exposure to radon presents a significant cancer risk. Estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggest that a person has a 1% risk of developing cancer from long-term exposure to air containing 4 pCi/L (or higher) of radon, and from ingestion of water with 20,000 pCi/L (or higher) of dissolved radon. Radon inhalation is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Smoking in a home with high levels of radon gas presents an even higher risk of cancer.
Due to the risks of excessive radon exposure, proper radon testing and mitigation are essential. Before taking any steps toward radon mitigation, it is important to have your home tested for radon. You can do this yourself with a home radon testing kit or hire professionals like American Radon Removal. According to the EPA, the ideal radon level for a home is 4 pCi/L or lower in the air, and water samples should not exceed 5,000 pCi/L. If your radon levels exceed these thresholds, a radon mitigation system is necessary.
To reduce radon in your water supply, several methods can be implemented. Using an aeration system is the most effective way to lower radon levels in your water supply. Other methods include treating your water supply with granular activated carbon (GAC), connecting to a public utility or a neighbor’s well, or digging a new replacement well. Before using an aeration system or GAC treatment, you must seek approval from the Department of Safety and Professional Services pumping program.
Hiring a certified contractor to install a radon mitigation system can help reduce radon levels in your home’s air. American Radon Removal has the expertise and reliable track record to properly install a radon mitigation system tailored to your home. We use RadonAway brand radon fans, specifically designed to remove radon gas from your home. In addition to reducing radon, a radon mitigation system can lower the moisture level in your home’s interior, making it healthier and drier.
If your home has tested positive for high levels of radon, contact us to see how American Radon Removal can assist with your radon mitigation needs.