Radon Tests Confirm If Your Home Has High Radon Levels And If Mitigation Efforts Are Working
Radon is a gas that's found naturally in the environment. Some locations of the country have higher radon levels than others, but radon is everywhere, so it's important to know if your home is affected by radon that seeps up through the soil.
Radon that rises through the soil is the main cause of concern since the gas gets trapped inside your house. Homes with basements often have more radon than homes built on slabs. However, every home should be tested for radon. Here's how radon tests work.
The Tests Rely On Continuous Monitoring
A test that's done by a professional testing company is accurate and reliable. Since the test is carried out by a professional, you don't have to worry about user error as might occur with a DIY test. Generally, the professional brings equipment to your home and leaves it for a few days or for the long term depending on the type of test you want. A long-term test gives a clearer picture of your exposure through different weather conditions.
Some Tests Have Digital Readings
Radon tests are sometimes sent to a lab to be analyzed. These tests usually capture radon in a carbon filter. Other tests give results digitally. The digital tests can create a printout of radon levels over time as soon as the test is complete. The radon test company can explain how each type of test works and their cost. They'll help you determine the right test for your needs and your budget.
Radon Tests Also Monitor Mitigation
If the radon level in your home is high, you'll need some sort of radon mitigation system set up. This is usually a vent through the roof of your house. Radon from the soil under your basement is pulled up the vent. You may need a repeat radon test once the mitigation system is installed so you can verify the system is working properly and the radon levels in your home are lower.
In addition, you may need an alarm system put in line with the vent so if the fan fails that pulls radon up the vent, an alarm goes off and lets you know. Without a working fan, radon can build up again, and without an alarm, you wouldn't know it.
A radon professional can explain all things involved with testing and mitigation so you have peace of mind your family is safe from the hazards of breathing radon over the long term. One of the main hazards of radon exposure is lung cancer. That's why it's important to know how much radon is in your home so you can take action if needed.
For more information about radon tests, contact a local company.