Radon Gas is now listed as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. behind cigarette smoke. Recent studies confirm that radon gas causes over 20,000 American deaths each year.
The Surgeon General recommends that all homes should be tested for radon. They believe that 8 million U.S. homes have dangerous radon levels.
Radon is a gas that is formed naturally when uranium in rock, soil and groundwater breaks down. The Radon gas then finds its way up to the surface. Unlike other forms of pollution or dangerous gasses, you can neither see nor smell Radon.
Typically, Radon escapes from the ground outdoors where it is dilluted by fresh air. However, it becomes dangerous when it is trapped indoors and accumulates to hazardous levels.
The Radon in the ground below your house collects in the air spaces and aggregate beneath the slab or crawl space and becomes drawn into the living areas of the house. It can also enter through cracks in floor, walls, drains, or sump pumps. Most newer homes are much better insulated than older ones which traps the radon gas inside. So in this case, having a well-sealed home contributes to the problem.
About one in every 15 homes in the US has excessive Radon levels, and in many cases, the problem is identified when a home is sold. In worst case scenarios, the problem is identified after an occupant develops lung cancer.
When elevated radon levels are found, a radon reduction system can be installed to correct the problem. The systems consist of PVC pipes with inline fans that draw the gasses out from below the home. According to Jamey Gelina, a radon specialist with Air Quality Control Agency, "Radon mitigation systems are very effective at diverting the radon gas to the outdoor environment before it can enter the home.
The Surgeon General recommends that all homes should be tested for radon. They believe that 8 million U.S. homes have dangerous radon levels.
Radon is a gas that is formed naturally when uranium in rock, soil and groundwater breaks down. The Radon gas then finds its way up to the surface. Unlike other forms of pollution or dangerous gasses, you can neither see nor smell Radon.
Typically, Radon escapes from the ground outdoors where it is dilluted by fresh air. However, it becomes dangerous when it is trapped indoors and accumulates to hazardous levels.
The Radon in the ground below your house collects in the air spaces and aggregate beneath the slab or crawl space and becomes drawn into the living areas of the house. It can also enter through cracks in floor, walls, drains, or sump pumps. Most newer homes are much better insulated than older ones which traps the radon gas inside. So in this case, having a well-sealed home contributes to the problem.
About one in every 15 homes in the US has excessive Radon levels, and in many cases, the problem is identified when a home is sold. In worst case scenarios, the problem is identified after an occupant develops lung cancer.
When elevated radon levels are found, a radon reduction system can be installed to correct the problem. The systems consist of PVC pipes with inline fans that draw the gasses out from below the home. According to Jamey Gelina, a radon specialist with Air Quality Control Agency, "Radon mitigation systems are very effective at diverting the radon gas to the outdoor environment before it can enter the home.
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