If you suspect that you or someone in your family is suffering from lung cancer, you should consider using a radon testing service. A professional can perform an easy test to determine whether or not you have elevated levels of radon gas. Once you know the level, remediation is simple. You can ask the professional to test your home for elevated levels of radon gas. Fortunately, many radon testing services now offer radon detection kits and other radon mitigation solutions.
radon is a radioactive gas
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas produced by the radioactive decay of uranium. This element is find in small quantities in soil and rocks throughout the world. Radon gas moves out of the earth’s soil and into air and surface water. While small amounts of radon are harmless, higher levels of radon are dangerous. In a home, radon is present in both indoor and outdoor air, as well as in drinking water.
It can cause lung cancer
The radioactive decay products of radon gas are very harmful to humans. Because they are mainly attach to aerosols, they are inhaled with the air. The short-lived decay products stick to sensitive lung tissue, including the lining and lung cells. Eventually, this damage leads to lung cancer. You can reduce your exposure to radon by making your home and surrounding environment as air-tight as possible.
It can enter a home through cracks
Because radon is a gas, it is extremely easy to get inside a home through cracks in the foundation. While this type of damage is more likely to happen in older homes that may have shifting foundations or cracks in the concrete floor, any home is susceptible to exposure. Radon can penetrate a variety of materials, including paper, sheetrock, wood, and insulation. If you suspect your home is leaking radon, take the necessary steps to mitigate your home.
It can be tested by a professional
DIY testing kits are available at most hardware stores. They come with two vials for collecting the sample, a mailing envelope, and instructions on how to send the test sample. Leave the sample in the room for at least 48 hours and then mail it to a lab for analysis. Your test results will be mailed to you promptly. If you believe that your home has a high level of radon, a professional radon testing service can help you get a higher level of protection.
It can be done by a do-it-yourself kit
The EPA recommends that all homes be tested for radon. A do-it-yourself radon test kit is a relatively inexpensive way to find out if your home is affect. You will need to follow the instructions to perform the test. To ensure that you don’t accidentally release the gas into the air, it is important to follow the directions carefully. Once you’ve completed your test, you’ll need to send the sample to an accredited laboratory.
If you are interested in ensuring your home is safe from radon gas, you should consider hiring a radon testing service. Home testing kits bought from your local hardware store are not very accurate and the size of the detector can affect the reading. In order to obtain accurate results, you should hire a professional radon testing service. These companies use sophisticated active equipment for radon detection. Their technicians can perform a test in your home without affecting the structure or the contents of your home. One of the best ways to determine if you have a radon issue is to test your water. Your public water system may come from a surface source or a ground source.