Radon is thought to be responsible for tens of thousands of lung cancer deaths each year. The risk of lung cancer increases by 16% per every 100 Bq/m in long-term average radon concentration. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends taking action to reduce radon in homes that have a radon level at or above 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air.
Only smoking is responsible for a greater number of lung cancer deaths. If you smoke and live in a home with high radon levels, you are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, you are at an increased risk of developing lung cancer.
Having your home tested for radon is one way to reduce your risk of exposure. If you have a sump pump in your basement, you should think about installing a radon mitigation system.
This article will go over the fundamentals of radon gas testing and sump pump installation, as well as help you decide if this is the best option for your home.
What exactly is radon?
Radon is a colorless and odorless gas found in soil that is widespread in the United States. Because soil is porous, radon rises from the ground and enters the home. Radon gas can build up in the air we breathe, posing a health risk.
The radon mitigation process is broken down into nine steps.
•A radon test reveals that there is a radon problem in the home.
•Request bids from licensed radon mitigation professionals.
•A professional walks through the house to determine which mitigation system to install.
•Discuss key questions with a professional and request a proposal.
•Examine bids and hire a professional
•Professionals may conduct diagnostic testing to ensure proper fan size and installation.
•A professional seals basement cracks and openings.
•The radon mitigation system is installed by a professional.
•The homeowner is given a thorough explanation of how the system works by the professional.
What should I do?
A radon test is the only way to determine how much radon is present in your home. You can test your home yourself or hire a licensed professional to do it for you. The results of a properly performed test will assist you in determining whether you need to reduce the radon levels in your home.
Radon testing has numerous advantages.
• Understanding how much you should be paying for home insurance.
• Knowing whether or not you are at risk of developing lung cancer.
• So that homes with elevated levels can undergo remediation work to reduce the level to safe levels.
System of drainage
Homes with sumps or French drain systems for rainwater control can effectively mitigate radon by using the sump to collect radon from the underlying soil. Two types of drain systems are easily adaptable to collect radon from the soil beneath a house and safely exhaust it outside.
When the drain systems include a sump, a sump pit lid with vent piping is installed. A radon fan connected to the vent pipe draws radon from the soil and through the sump to an outside exhaust point above the roof of the house. These check valves allow the fan to create a vacuum while also allowing water to drain.
When collecting radon with a drainage system, it is critical to maintaining the drainage characteristics of the drain systems.
A sump pump installation excavates the sump pit and installs a drainage system to direct water into the sump pit. A sump basin made of plastic, metal, or concrete is usually used to line the sump pit. Sump pump systems can be combined with more active radon mitigation measures, such as ventilation fans, to further reduce radon levels.
Radon mitigation systems are widely available, but their effectiveness is determined by the amount of radon gas emitted in your home. Professionals are the only ones who can make this decision. It is preferable if you leave this decision to them. When looking for a service provider, you must exercise extreme caution.
If you have access to a good service provider, you will be relieved of half of your burden.