Radon Levels
Radon levels
Testing for radon levels has become a common practice before buying or selling real estate, and the practice is perfectly justified if we consider the great health hazards radon brings. Resulting from the transformation of the uranium atoms in the soil, radon is a radioactive substance that is drawn out to the surface through cracks and holes in the ground. The “open” space above the ground acts like a giant vacuum that attracts radon; hence, high radon levels are usually identified in confined spaces at the ground level: hallways, basements or even living areas built a little under the ground level.
The radon levels found in the exterior atmosphere are completely insignificant, but accumulated indoors, the gas can cause massive lung damage, leading to cancer appearance on the long run. After the mid 80s, when the radon health hazards have been brought to public attention, many home owners have taken the habit of testing their homes for radon. Radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). The level that presents absolutely no threats for the health is on the average 1.3pCi/L in closed areas, whereas in open air, it doesn't go higher than 0.4pCi/L.
The radon levels considered dangerous within our homes are usually those that range above 4 pCi/L; below this value, the house atmosphere is considered relatively safe. Nevertheless, home owners are encouraged to install mitigation devices that can reduce the radon levels at about 2pCi/L. However, it is well known that no radon level is completely safe, and exposure to no matter how low the amount still carries some potential risks for one's health. The only safe environment is the one which is totally radon free. Periodical testing for radon levels is strongly encouraged even if you have a professional mitigation system installed.
The combination of several gas reduction methods is definitely more efficient in decreasing the radon levels and preventing health problems. After basic measures like crack and opening sealing have been taken, the next steps to be taken involve the improvement of the ventilation system and the reversal of the radon flow by the use of fans. The process known as sub-slab de-pressurization is probably one of the most common ones used in the home maintenance efforts. Governmental agencies are usually the ones to assist home owners in finding other solutions for radon reduction in their living areas.
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