As a homeowner or potential homebuyer, you may have heard about the dangers of radon. But what exactly is radon, and why should you be concerned about it?
Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It is odourless, colourless, and tasteless, which means it can't be detected without special equipment. Radon can leak into homes through cracks in the foundation, walls, or floors, and can build up to dangerous levels which can be harmful to our health overtime.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for approximately 21,000 deaths each year. That's why it's important to have your home tested for radon, especially if you live in an area with high levels of the gas.
The specialist from RadonCare, explained to us that if Alberta and Saskatchewan were its own country, we would have the 2nd highest radon levels IN THE WORLD. Another crazy statistic is that 1 in 5 Alberta homes have high radon levels.
Radon levels can differ significantly from one home to another, even in the same neighbourhood or on the same street. Two houses side by side could have very different radon levels. The only way to know if your home has elevated levels of radon is to have it tested professionally. Short-term tests are available, but are not very accurate, and can typically take between two and seven days to complete. Long-term tests, which take at least 90 days, provide a more accurate picture of the average radon level in your home. There are some tests that can give a fairly accurate rating within 2 weeks, however, radon levels can differ season to season as well - so the longer the test, the more accurate the reading.
It’s important to note that there is really no “safe” level of radon and if you are living in a home with high radon levels, it is not instantly toxic to your body. It is the consistent exposure over time can lead to health issues. It is also important to note that every home can be fixed.
If your home has elevated levels of radon, there are several ways to mitigate the problem. The most common method is to install a radon mitigation system, which typically involves sealing cracks in the foundation and installing a vent pipe and fan to draw radon out of the home. Depending on the severity of the problem, other measures may be necessary, such as increasing ventilation or sealing sump pits.
If you're buying a home, it's important to have it tested for radon once you move in as a longer test is much more accurate and trying to do a short, quick test will likely not provide true recordings of the radon levels within the property.
In conclusion, radon is a serious health hazard that should not be taken lightly. Whether you're a homeowner or a homebuyer, it's important to be aware of the dangers of radon and take steps to mitigate the problem if necessary. By testing your home’s radon levels, you can ensure that your home is safe and healthy for you and your family.
RadonCare was gracious enough to give us a 15% discount on radon detection devices and tests, so if you are interested in knowing your home’s radon levels, reach out and we can order one for you!
If you have additional questions about radon, or would like to speak to a professional about radon, reach out to RadonCare - they are a qualified and professional company that deal with radon tests and full service radon mitigation for homes in Southern Alberta.