Radon Gas in Homes: The Invisible Danger

What you can’t see can be hurting you right now. Radon gas is everywhere and when it’s found in high concentrations, it can be deadly. 

As it rises up from the ground under your feet, it’s pushed around and dispersed by the breeze. That’s good news for you when you’re outside because the gas can’t accumulate enough to do any damage.

But in enclosed spaces, it’s a whole different story. Radon gas in homes can build up to such extreme levels, that the radiation is dangerous. When you breathe it in, it causes lung damage which over time can become cancerous.

Proper ventilation is crucial as buildings are constructed to be more energy efficient. An airtight home can quickly become a tomb when deadly toxins are trapped inside. Anywhere there isn’t sufficient airflow is a place that risks your health.

What is Radon Gas?

Radon is a natural radioactive gas emitted from decaying uranium or thorium in soil, water, and rocks. It’s tasteless, odorless, and invisible to the naked eye. 

People exposed to high levels of radon gas have an increased chance of developing lung cancer. The longer the duration of exposure, the higher the probability. In fact, radon is responsible for up to 14% of lung cancer according to the World Health Organization.

Radon Testing

Florida’s radon program is thorough in its safety practices and procedures. This is because it’s estimated that up to one in every two homes will test for elevated levels of radon gas. 

If your home tests at 4 pCi/L or higher, the EPA recommends that you take immediate action to remedy the problem. Even after mitigation, it’s best that homes be tested twice per year. 

But it’s important to be aware that the state of Florida does not require those who sell their property to test for radon. Homebuyers should take note of the risks that this stealthy gas poses and take initiative. 

A home inspection isn’t the only way prospective buyers can play it safe. Always test a property’s radon levels before moving in! 

Who Tests for Radon?

You should always ask for proof of certification when hiring someone to measure the radon levels of a residence. In 1989, Florida made it a requirement for professionals who measure or mitigate radon to be certified and registered. 

Radon Mitigation

So your home tested for radon levels at or above 4pCi/L, now what? When the concentration of radon gas is at a dangerous level, the best course of action is to hire a professional contractor that specializes in radon mitigation. 

Once the right actions have been taken, a second test will determine if the radon levels are at an optimal level. The property should be safe within 24 hours.

There are two different courses a radon mitigation professional will take:

• Prevent radon gas from leaking into the home.
• Lower levels of radon present in the home.

When contractors can identify the entry point of radon, it might be possible to create an airtight seal and lock out the gas. This may be the case if there is an obvious crack in the foundation, but the rest of the building is sound.

However, if the point of entry is difficult to pinpoint or there are too many, the next best option is to facilitate better ventilation. A specialist will analyze the unique building construction and decide how and where to increase air ventilation. Then, he or she will install an exhaust fan that pulls polluted air outdoors. 

Since homes in Florida do not have basements, your contractor will likely install a sub-slab depressurization system. This is a relatively easy solution that involves pipes and an exhaust fan. This is the most common mitigation method and one that will work as long as the fan is running.

Radon Inspection Service in Tampa, Brooksville, and St. Petersburg, Florida

If you are looking for a certified inspector to test your home or business for high radon levels, look no further than Divinity Inspection Service. 

We will: 

1. Provide you with accurate and reliable radon test results.
2. Help you to understand what your radon level means.
3. Offer advice and recommend mitigation contractors you can trust. 

Your health and safety are our priority. Choose an inspection service with experience and knowledge in construction. Schedule your radon inspection today!