Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It seeps into homes through cracks in the foundation, walls, and floors. Because you can’t see or smell it, it’s easy to overlook the health risks it presents. If testing reveals you have radon in your home, you need a mitigation system to remove the danger and create a healthy living environment.
Protect Health
Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer, right after smoking. This naturally occurring radioactive gas is released from the soil and can become concentrated inside your home. The EPA recommends reducing radon levels when they are at or above 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L).
Here’s a breakdown of how radon exposure leads to health risks:
- Inhalation of radon gas: When you breathe in radon, the gas enters your lungs and exposes them to radiation.
- Radioactive decay: Radon breaks down into tiny radioactive particles called radon progeny, which can stick to the lining of your lungs.
- Cell damage: The radiation from these particles damages lung cells, increasing the risk of mutations.
- Increased cancer risk: Over time, this damage can lead to lung cancer, especially with prolonged exposure to high radon levels.
A mitigation system works by drawing the gas from beneath your home and venting it safely outside, preventing it from accumulating indoors. This is typically achieved through a vent pipe system and a fan. The system creates a vacuum to redirect the gas away from your living spaces. By continuously operating, it maintains low radon levels, providing long-term protection for your family’s health.
Address an Invisible Threat
Since radon is completely undetectable by human senses, you could be living with high levels and have no idea. It doesn’t have a color, an odor, or a taste, making it a silent danger. The only way to know if your home has elevated levels is to perform a test.
Once testing confirms the presence of radon, a mitigation system is the only way to effectively address the problem. These systems prevent the gas from entering your living space and accumulating to dangerous concentrations.
A specialist will customize your residential radon mitigation based on your home’s unique characteristics. Levels vary based on the geology of the area, as certain types of rock and soil emit more radon. Changes in air pressure between the inside and outside of your home can also draw the element in through cracks and openings. Furthermore, the design and ventilation of your home can either help reduce or exacerbate gas accumulation.
Tip: Periodically Re-Test
Once you have a mitigation system installed, regular testing ensures it continues to perform effectively. Over time, changes in your home’s foundation or ventilation can impact radon levels. Annual or biannual testing identifies the need for adjustments to the system.
Ensure Long-Term Safety
The primary reason you need radon mitigation in your home is for continuous, long-term protection of your household. Once installed, it operates quietly and efficiently in the background, requiring minimal maintenance. Systems that include state-of-the-art monitoring technology provide added peace of mind regarding the system’s efficacy.
Professional technicians will also guide you on additional steps to maintain consistently low radon levels in your home. For instance, if you have an open crawlspace, installing a vapor barrier is necessary to prevent the gas from seeping through the exposed soil. By addressing specific structural concerns, mitigation professionals ensure your system works as effectively as possible.
Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
Radon mitigation systems improve your home’s overall indoor air quality. By pulling air from beneath the foundation and venting it outdoors, the system can help reduce other harmful substances that may be trapped inside.
Beyond reducing radon, some mitigation systems improve air quality by lowering humidity levels in your home. Fan-powered units help filter out allergens, dust, and other pollutants while keeping the air drier. This decrease in moisture helps prevent mold, mildew, and bacteria from thriving, especially during humid seasons.
Prove Your Home’s Safety Standards
In many areas, radon testing and mitigation are becoming standard parts of real estate transactions. States and local authorities may have regulations that require homeowners to disclose radon levels to potential buyers. Addressing high concentrations before you sell can prevent delays and complications during the closing process.
By installing a mitigation system, you ensure your home meets modern safety expectations. New homeowners will appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing the issue has already been addressed.
Cost-Effective Solution
When you compare the cost of a mitigation system to the potential long-term health costs, the investment is modest. It is a relatively affordable home improvement that provides significant health benefits. Preventing serious illness is far more economical than treating it down the road.
Furthermore, a radon mitigation system is energy efficient, often using less power than a standard light bulb. The low operating cost and minimal maintenance make it a practical and sustainable solution for any homeowner. For optimal performance, perform a biannual inspection. Systems from Affordable Radon Southwest come with a lifetime warranty, excluding the fan, which is backed by a seven-year warranty.
Proven Protection
Modern mitigation systems are highly effective at reducing radon levels in a home. The technology is well-established and has been proven successful in countless homes across the country. In some cases, systems can reduce radon concentrations by up to 99 percent.
These systems are customized to your home’s specific foundation and soil conditions, ensuring optimal performance. They are reliable, durable, and designed to function for many years with little oversight. You can trust that your mitigation system is providing a scientifically proven defense against radon.
Learning that your home has high radon levels can be unsettling, but it’s a problem with a clear and effective solution. By installing a mitigation system, you are taking a powerful step to protect the health of your loved ones. This investment provides not only safer air but also lasting peace of mind. Don’t wait to address this invisible threat; take action to ensure your home is a safe and healthy place.