To understand radon mitigation, it’s helpful to first know what radon is. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is produced from uranium deposits under the ground. It is a Class A human carcinogen meaning it has been proven to cause lung cancer in humans. Radon gas enters homes from the soil beneath and disperses throughout the house. When radon gas is inhaled, radioactive particles come in contact with the lung’s cells and DNA which can lead to lung cancer. The higher the concentration of radon and the longer the exposure, the higher the risk is for lung cancer.
The good news is radon can be significantly reduced (or “mitigated”) quickly and affordably. The goal of any Colorado Springs radon mitigation system is to reduce the amount of radon gas that enters the home. The most effective radon mitigation method is called active soil depressurization. Gasses underneath the soil are naturally drawn toward the surface when the pressure above the ground is lower than the pressure under the ground. Active soil depressurization systems are designed to draw air from the soil beneath the home’s foundation into a pipe that has a specialized fan that pulls the air from the ground and delivers it safely to the outside air above the home’s roof level.
Will a Mitigation System Completely Remove All Radon From My Home?
Because all homes and buildings are constructed from materials that have the potential for gas to move through them, a Colorado Springs radon mitigation system is designed to significantly lower the amount of radon gas entering your home, but cannot completely remove all of the radon. In the majority of cases, radon levels can be lowered to the World Health Organization’s and/or the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended levels.
How Effective Are Radon Removal Techniques?
Colorado Springs radon mitigation systems are extremely effective at removing this dangerous gas from your home. According to the EPA, some systems can remove up to 99 percent of radon gas that was present.
Some professional companies even install monitors with their radon reduction equipment. These monitors will alert you if there is ever a problem with your system, offering you even more peace of mind that you’re protected. Even if a removal system stops protecting you due to a failed fan or other parts issue, your radon exposure will be limited because the monitors will alert you.
Is There Anything You Can Do To Prevent Radon Exposure?
The fastest way to end your exposure to radon is to prevent it in the first place. If you’re building a new home, you can take several preventative steps to avoid radon entering your home altogether:
- Install a barrier below your foundation or slab to prevent radon gas from penetrating and entering your home.
- Run ventilation piping from your basement or crawl space up through the roof to encourage gas to vent outside of your living space.
- Seal all cracks and gaps in your foundation to prevent radon gas from entering.
Although these techniques may significantly reduce radon exposure due to the soil surrounding your home, they won’t help you if your water is the source of exposure. Plus, these techniques only work if you’re building a brand new home. If it’s an existing structure, you’ll have to rely on the typical mitigation techniques.
Remember, radon is present throughout the nation, and there’s no way to know if your home is at risk. Because of the major health risks associated with exposure, and the relatively inexpensive testing techniques, it’s always recommended you perform a test whether you’re getting ready to buy, sell, or renovate your home.
Guard Against Radon Gas In Your Home
Unfortunately, you cannot completely remove the source of radon gas. However, Colorado Springs radon mitigation technology can greatly reduce any threat to your household. Overall the solutions are unobtrusive and once installed, typically require very little maintenance.
Get your home inspected for radon gas and, if high levels are detected, seek out Colorado Springs radon mitigation to return your home’s interior air to a safe range. Radon gas cannot be seen or smelled, but it is a real threat that needs to be taken seriously as it can cause cancer. The process of lowering radon levels in a home involves venting any radon gas away from your home’s interior, and is largely non-intrusive.
Take the tim to test your home for radon gas. You will find your efforts rewarded with the knowledge that your home is safe.
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