Radon exposure is a leading cause of lung cancer among smokers and non-smokers alike, claiming 21,000 lives in the U.S. every year. Radon gas leaks are especially dangerous in the Upper Midwest. Minnesota considers radon a major public health concern and roughly half of South Dakota is a hotbed for it. If you’ve had your home tested for radon, it’s important to know what to do next. Read on to learn what you should do after receiving your radon reading.
How Radon is Measured
After working with a good radon testing company, you are likely aware of the threat radon poses and why getting your home tested was wise. However, you may be unaware what the results of your test actually mean. Radon levels are measured in pico-Curies per liter of air (pCi/L). A Curie is an internationally recognized unit of radioactivity which shows us the number of decays per second of active radium. Even though we can’t see it happening, each decay of radium produces a micro-explosion that damages living tissue, especially our lungs.
Understanding Your Radon Levels
It is important to know what the radon levels in your home mean beyond the numeric values.
- Less than 2.7 pCi/L
This radon level is relatively low. 0.4 pCi/L is the average level of natural outdoor radon according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- 2.7-4 pCi/L
Even though the EPA considers 4 pCi/L to be the magic number for taking action against radon, the World Health Organization recommends mitigation at 2.7 pCi/L or higher. If your radon levels are in this range, think about how often you spend time in the lowest level of your home and what you do there. The closer your nose is to the floor, the more at risk you are.
- 4 pCi/L or Higher
If your home is in this range, you are in danger of lung damage and cancer if you don’t take action. For context, radon levels this high equate to smoking half a pack of cigarettes a day.
Take Action if Your Radon Levels Are High
Are you concerned about the results after radon testing your home? Don’t let your radon gas leak stress you out. Here are steps you can take to stay safe.
- Increase airflow in your home by opening windows and using fans/vents to circulate air. Natural ventilation in your home shouldn’t be considered radon mitigation because it is only a temporary strategy to reduce radon.
- Seal cracks in your floors and walls with caulk or plaster.
- Find a qualified team of radon specialists to implement a plan to reduce radon levels in your home. Installing a radon mitigation system will likely be a part of that plan. Ensure you partner with a qualified radon testing company.
Protect Yourself with Radon Crew
Don’t risk it—make sure your home is safe today. We are dedicated to making sure your home and its occupants are protected from the dangers of radon. Our team will not only test for radon, but also install radon gas detectors to monitor radon levels, and a radon mitigation system to remove it from your home. We will help you find the best solution for your unique situation. We offer a host of testing processes differing in duration, budget, and depth of analysis, depending on your particular needs. Radon gas detectors and radon mitigation systems should be at the top of your list to protect your family from radon gas leaks.
Regardless of the age of your home, radon testing is an urgent matter that should not be taken lightly. Visit our website today to find out more about radon mitigation systems as well as our suite of radon services so you can keep yourself protected against radon.