Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can be found in air and water. Radon is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. Radon forms naturally when uranium, and other radioactive metals, break down or decay over time. Radon 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. Exposure can also occur when radon dissolves in groundwater, or when the gas is released from well water after exposure to air.
As radon is a radioactive gas, long-term exposure to it presents a cancer risk. Estimates from the EPA state that a person has a 1% risk of developing cancer from long-term household exposure via inhalation of air containing 4 pCi/L (or higher) of radon, and ingestion of water containing 20,000 pCi/L (or higher) of dissolved radon. Radon inhalation is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Additionally, smoking while in a home containing high levels of radon gas presents an even higher risk of cancer.
Due to the risks excessive radon exposure can cause, proper radon testing and radon mitigation is important. Before taking any steps for radon mitigation, you should have your home tested for radon first. You can do this yourself with a home radon testing kit, or hire American Radon Removal. According to the EPA, the ideal radon level for a home is 4 pCi/L or lower in air, and water samples should not exceed 5,000 pCi/L. If your radon levels exceed either of these levels, a radon mitigation system is needed.
To reduce radon in your water supply, there are a number of steps that can be implemented. Using an aeration system to reduce radon levels within your water supply is the best method. Other methods include treating your water supply with granular activated Carbon (GAC), connecting to a public utility or neighbor’s well, or digging a new replacement well. You will need to seek proper approval from the Department of Safety and Professional Services pumping program before an aeration system or GAC treatment can be used.
Hiring a certified contractor to install a radon mitigation system will help reduce radon levels in your home’s air. American Radon Removal has the expertise and realiable track record to properly install a radon mitigation system that’s right for 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 reduce the moisture level of your home’s interior, making it healthier and dryer.
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.