Radon Detection and Mitigation

Radon is a colorless, tasteless, odorless noble gas that occurs naturally as the decay of radium. Because of its radioactive nature radon is considered to be a serious health hazard and is thought to be the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoke. Radon most frequently occurs in confined areas like basements and attics and can affect nearly any home so it is important to know the basics of radon detection and mitigation.

Testing for radon in your home can be relatively simple. Short-term radon test kits are available on many stores and are very inexpensive, sometimes even free. To use the kit simply hang up the collector piece in the lowest livable floor in your house for 2-7 days then send the piece into a laboratory to be tested (kits include a laboratory mailing address). Because radon levels can fluctuate depending on weather and construction conditions, it is also a good idea to have a professional do a test.

The simplest way to reduce your risk of high radon levels is to increase the ventilation of your home. One method includes installing piping and ventilation systems that suction radon from the soil surrounding your house and redirect it back into the open air where it is more easily diluted. This is called a radon mitigation system. Contact Nowthen Plumbing if you need a system installed.

If you do detect radon in your home, don’t panic immediately. Perform a second test to make sure the initial detection was correct, and if levels are still above normal, contact Nowthen Plumbing to figure out your next steps.