Health & Fitness
What is Radon?
What is Radon and why do I need to inspect for it? Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas that you cannot see, smell or taste, but it may be a problem in your home.
What is Radon, and why do I need to inspect for it?
Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas that you cannot see, smell or taste, but it may be a problem in your home. The U.S. Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. Some scientific studies of radon exposure show that children may be more sensitive to radon than adults.
How Does Radon Get Into Your Home?
Find out what's happening in Carrollwood-Northdalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Radon comes from the natural decomposition of uranium that is found in nearly all soils everywhere. It usually moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. Any home may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the U.S. is projected to have elevated radon levels. The only way to know about your home is to test.
RADON GETS IN THROUGH:
Find out what's happening in Carrollwood-Northdalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
- Cracks in solid floors
- Construction joints
- Cracks in walls
- Gaps in suspended floors
- Gaps around service pipes
- Cavities inside walls
- The water supply
How to Lower the Radon Levels in Your Home
Since there is no known safe level of radon, there can always be some risk. There are several proven methods to reduce radon in your home, but the one primarily used is a vent pipe system and fan, which pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it to the outside. Radon contractors can use other methods that may also work in your home. The right system depends on the design of your home and other factors. Ways to reduce radon in your home are discussed in EPA's "Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction." See radon publications for a copy.
The cost of reducing radon in your home depends on how your home was built and the extent of the radon problem. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs. If you think you may have radon in your home, call Jeff Christy - A Buyer’s Choice as soon as possible.
1-813-600-7662