Radon gas, you probably haven't heard of it. It's not your usual secondhand smoke or carbon monoxide scare. It's an invisible and odorless radioactive gas, naturally produced from the soil, but it becomes a concern when its levels in your home are high.
Caught off guard? Don't worry. That's why we're here to help you understand what Radon mitigation is, why it matters in home improvement, and how you can go about it.
The Environmental Protection Agency has listed Radon as the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Now, that's an alarmingly hefty title for a gas that many of us aren't aware of. But, does every house have a radon problem? Not necessarily. It all depends on the Radon levels in your home. So how do you find out? Simple, get your home tested. Do-it-yourself radon test kits are available in home improvement stores or online marketplaces, or you can hire a professional radon inspector to do it for you.
Radon mitigation becomes essential when the Radon levels in your home are higher than the safe threshold, which is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) as set by the EPA. Mitigation isn't as scary as it sounds. It involves installing systems that help in reducing the radon levels in your house by venting it away from the property. This process is also known as sub-slab depressurization or soil suction and is the most effective way to reduce radon.
Radon mitigation can turn out to be a significant investment with costs but think about it, aren't we talking about the safety of your home and your loved ones? Also, always remember, it is not a DIY job. Radon mitigation requires the skill and expertise of a professional due to the potential risk of increasing radon levels if done incorrectly.
To conclude, radon mitigation is an overlooked aspect of improving your home environment. It might not give your home a visual facelift, but it guarantees a safer and healthier place for you and your family to live in. When it comes to matters that keep your household safe, it's always better to be in the know than in the dark.
So here's your call to action: Get your home tested for radon as soon as possible and take adequate action if it's above the safe level. Remember, a radon-free home is a wholesome home!