Radon Gas - Radon Mitigation and Testing

What is Radon gas?
Radon gas is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally in the environment, mainly in the soil. It is present in uranium rich rocks and escapes into the air through cracks in the rocks. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless.

Is Radan Gas dangerous?
Radon gas can be a potential health hazard if it seeps in large amounts into your house. Long-term exposure to Radon can lead to cancer. Smokers face higher health risks than non-smokers from Radon contamination. Detecting Radon contamination and safeguarding your house from its ill-effects, however, is easy and testing should be regularly undertaken to determine the levels of Radon in your area.

What are the chances of finding Radon contamination in your house?
Radon gas contamination is more common in the USA and in Europe than in Asia and the Middle-East. Aside from the geologically favorable conditions, there is the cold weather factor. American and European homes are more likely to have tightly sealed, rarely opened windows and perennially shut doors. In comparison, homes in Asia and the Middle-East are likely to have good ventilation throughout, with air circulating freely. Radon contamination is low or negligible in well-ventilated places. On the other hand, it is pretty high in enclosed, poorly ventilated homes. Radon gas levels are also high in houses without a basement than in houses with basements.

The levels of Radon gas differ from the house to house. Houses in the same neighborhood can show different levels. For example, if the Radon contamination levels in your neighbor's house are low, they could still be high on your property. Or vice versa. So you cannot depend on the check results of the test done on your neighbor's house. Every house has to be inspected on a separate basis.

How do you check your house for Radon contamination?
You can either contact a professional service to check the Radon levels in your house or you can do it yourself. The actual Radon testing is not difficult. It is done in two ways – either by a passive Radon testing method or an active Radon testing method. Or you can simultaneously use both methods. You can go for short term testing or long term testing. Short term Radon testing requires about 2 to 4 days for completion. Long term Radon testing can take as long as 90 days. Long term testing is more thorough, but, given the time requirement, many house owners go for the short term testing.

What is the passive Radon testing method?
Passive Radon testing method is done using testing devices like charcoal cannisters or alpha-track detectors that require no electricity power to use and which are merely placed in the place to be tested for the duration of the test. The exposed to the air of the place being tested brings about certain chemical changes in the device which are then analyzed in a laboratory.

What is the active Radon testing method?
Active Radon testing devices require electricity to function. These are commonly used by professionals and are considered more reliable. The Radon levels are constantly checked and monitored in the active testing devices.

How is the testing for Radon contamination carried out?
As mentioned earlier, testing is done using either the passive testing device or the active testing device or, in some cases, by using both appliances. You can carry out the testing yourself if money is an issue or you can seek the assistance of a qualified professional. Calling in a professional might perhaps ensure a more thorough checking and a better result, and, if you happen to be selling the house, a professional certification of low Radon gas levels will come in very handy.

The actual Radon testing is carried out in frequently used portions of the house. To start with, the doors and windows of the rooms to be checked are kept mostly shut for several hours before testing is undertaken and also throughout the testing. The Radon testing device or devices are placed a little above the ground in the room for the prescribed duration. After that time-frame, the device is turned over to the laboratory and analyzed. If the Radon levels are under 4pCi/L, you are alright, that's pretty acceptable. If they are above that level, then you will need to reduce the radon levels by using a process called Radon gas mitigation.

What are the various Radon mitigation methods?
Using the right Radon mitigation techniques, you can either reduce the Radon levels in your home or you can entirely prevent Radon gas from entering your home.

You can install a mitigation system that will draw away the Radon gas from your soil or your water supply, or fans or ventilators that will increase the atmospheric pressure difference or allow for better ventilation.

Is Radon testing mandatory?
In some cases, it is. In all others, consider it a good investment for your continued good health.