Radon Gas - Two Tips For Keeping it Out of Your Home

Posted by simonairquality on April 4th, 2022

Invisible, colorless, odiferous, pouring out of the ground, and causing cancer! Visit the EPA\'s website to learn more about this silent killer in your area, as well as to find out how you can help. There are a shockingly large number of people who have no idea how hazardous this gas is to their health. My parents have tried to buy various homes in the Midwest over the past few years.

The Radon levels in each of the properties of interest were examined by my father, who is both a cancer survivor and an asthma sufferer. This area had five dwellings radon testing in ottawa. Radon readings in each of the residences were found to be at least five times higher than the EPA\'s safe limit. Each of these residences was occupied at the time of our visit! Radon levels exceeding even the lowest levels have been warned to my father by his cancer specialist. Unless the homes were renovated with an appropriate vapor retarder, I believe that most of the dwellings in the region would have tested above unsafe levels.

There are radon retarders/barriers that can effectively keep radon out of the home when properly installed. For a long time, most of these items were made with expensive foil layers. Radon, methane, water vapor, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are all delayed by VaporBlock 20Plus, a polyethylene-based polymer. Plastic sheeting with a significantly tighter cell structure is used in this product, which is a result of cutting-edge new technology.

There will be no passage of gas molecules across the membrane because of the tighter cell shape. Vapor retarders commonly used in today\'s homes and those used a decade or more ago in most regions of the country are easily penetrated by these gases. Indeed, the cheapest plastic sheeting known to man—often dubbed Visqueen, C&A film, or Construction and Agricultural grade polyethylene sheeting—is all that is required as an under-slab or under-basement vapor retarder in the United States today. Nothing has been put to use in many instances!

This type of polyethylene sheeting is not suitable for use as moisture or vapor barrier or retarder. Engineered films, in my opinion, should be utilized for this purpose. The cost difference is so minor, yet the difference in performance is so great. Our health is truly in jeopardy. We are harmed by invisible gases that we can\'t see.

It\'s possible for many homeowners to refit their own homes with these materials and make them significantly more secure. Regardless of the situation, contractors can employ these engineered solutions to ensure that the homes\' future residents will not be affected by this. At the very least, I\'d like to see home builders include this type of product as an option for consumers. The issue is that neither the problem nor the remedy is known by nearly enough people.

Getting to Know About Home Radon

There are numerous dangers lurking in your own home. As a general rule, many people assume that they are perfectly protected in their own homes. Even if you\'re at home, you still need to remain on guard. There are numerous threats and dangers to be aware of. When it comes to radon, most people just take it for granted. As a result, learning about the dangers of this can help you avoid it. Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases it causes.

You should know the definition of radon before continuing your research into the gas. Toxic gas is damaging to the human body and should be avoided. It\'s invisible to the naked eye. Detecting its presence in the area is more difficult because of this. And most people who have no idea what they\'re doing aren\'t aware of just how harmful it may be to their health.

When the gas is released into the air and begins to dissipate, it is easy to get rid of. As soon as the gas becomes trapped within the house, the danger begins. It can lead to lung cancer if it accumulates over a long period of time.

As previously said, radon is mostly ignored by the general public. A lot of people don\'t know what this is and whether or not it\'s even possible to have it inside of you. A home inspection is the best method to find out for sure. Kits to detect hazardous gases are readily accessible on the market. If you\'d rather not do it yourself, you may always hire a professional. If you believe that the level of gas exposure in your workplace is getting worse, you should speak with an expert. It\'s not that horrible, though, so go out and get it!

When it comes to radon testing, there are numerous options. You can use either passive or active language, depending on your preference. The passive sort of device is one that does not use any electricity. Using a charcoal liquid scintillation device and a canister of activated carbon, Alpha track detectors are also going to be used in the study. All of these can be found in your local hardware store. Electric ion gadgets may also be worth a look. The problem is that they\'re only useful in labs.

You must read the instruction booklet before using the gadget. Begin with a plan in mind rather than winging it and hoping for the best. Be aware that you\'re testing a toxic gas in your home. It needs to be certain and secure. You will need to mail the sample to the address provided in the kit after you receive it. The lab is in charge of putting the finishing touches on the analysis of the sample you provided.

There are several options available to you if the lab declares that your home is contaminated with radon. Typically, experts are called in to handle the situation. The best way to deal with this, according to their suggestions, is to depressurize your soil. And it will necessitate the use of a professional.

Every household should be aware of the dangers posed by radon. Taking this for granted can have major consequences for your health. Educate your family members at home so they are aware of this as well.