Radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer in smokers, claiming 21,000 lives in the US each year. Due to its geological landscape and extended cold seasons, Radon is an especially dangerous problem for the Upper Midwest. Roughly half of South Dakota is a hotbed for radon. The Iowa Department of Health estimates that as many as 5 in 7 homes have high radon levels while Nebraska ranks third in the country for radon prevalence. Radon is also a major public health concern in the state of Minnesota, with state levels averaging more than three times higher than the rest of the nation.
If you’ve had your home tested for radon and received a high reading, there are important steps to take next. Keep reading to learn what to do after receiving a high radon reading.
Call a Radon Mitigation Service Immediately
The first thing you need to do if a high radon level has been found in your home or business is to contact a licensed radon mitigation service and schedule an appointment. What happens during your home or business’s radon mitigation service will depend largely on its foundational structure; therefore, it’s important to provide as much information as possible about your space’s construction. Your contractor will conduct a visual inspection to determine the suitable system for reducing your radon levels. To make the appropriate radon reduction techniques more effective, your contractor will seal any cracks, gaps, or holes in your floors and walls.
Your contractor will perform a visual inspection of your house and design a system that is suitable.
Ventilate While You Wait
While waiting for your mitigation team to service your home or business, there are temporary measures you can take to protect the safety of all who use your space. Open windows, run fans, and use air purifiers with activated carbon filters. These methods do not provide significant or long-term reduction in radon, but are valuable measures to take between your high radon reading and the availability of mitigation services. Limit the use of gas appliances and stop smoking, especially indoors.
Contact National and State Programs for Assistance
While radon mitigation can be a costly endeavor, it’s an essential and lifesaving task. If cost is a concern, you should know that there are a number of state and federal programs designed to provide loans and financial assistance specifically for the mitigation of radon. Contact your local environmental office or a radon hotline for help finding the assistance you need. When your radon mitigation is complete, you’ll need to test again. Your contractor or state office will help you determine how and when to do this.
Bring in the Radon Crew
When mitigating radon in your home or business, trust the experts at Radon Crew. We will assess your space and install the right systems to bring your radon down to a safer level. We provide a number of testing and mitigation processes depending on your needs and budget, and will gladly help you evaluate the options and guide you towards the best solution for your project. Radon Crew is dedicated to keeping you, your family and your employees safe from radon, with our service area extending through South Dakota, and parts of Iowa, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois. Contact us today to get started with your testing and mitigation.