Overview
Radon is a radioactive gas that forms when naturally-occurring uranium in soil or rocks breaks down over time. Exposure to radon in an enclosed environment, such as a house, can significantly increase your chances of developing lung cancer, and radon exposure ranks second only to smoking as a cause of lung cancer deaths in the United States. Fortunately, you can reduce your exposure to radon in a number of ways.
The Facts
Almost all air contains radon, and all of us breathe in some amount of the gas each day, according to the National Cancer Institute. When we encounter radon in open spaces, exposure typically occurs at a low level, with correspondingly low health risks. However, when radon gas seeps into an enclosed space through cracks in a foundation, floor or wall, it can accumulate in amounts that pose a clear risk for the development of lung cancer.
Testing and Reduction
To protect yourself and your family from possible exposure to concentrated radon gas, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends testing your home with a commercially available kit or hiring a certified testing firm. If the testing results show dangerous radon levels, you will need to hire someone to reduce or remove the gas. Some states require licensing for radon reduction companies; check with your state’s radon control office to find out the guidelines in your area. If your state does not license radon contractors, check for private organizations that monitor or review local service providers.
Choosing a System
To effectively reduce radon in your home, your contractor must first determine the amount of radon present, as well as the type of foundation your house sits on, the EPA reports. This information, combined with a detailed inspection, will help the contractor devise an appropriate reduction system. If possible, the EPA recommends using a system that prevents radon from entering your home. In some cases, you may instead need to rely on a system that reduces radon buildup after it occurs.
Main Options
If your home has a slab-on-grade foundation or a basement, your contractor can use a method of radon reduction called soil suction, according to the EPA. In this method, radon is pulled from the area beneath your home and vented to the outside through a pipe that rises above your home’s top floor. If your home has a crawl space, your contractor can trap radon with a heavy plastic sheet laid out on the crawl space floor. The trapped gas is then vented in a way similar to that used for soil suction.
Additional Options
You can also use additional methods to help reduce radon concentrations, the EPA reports. These include sealing cracks in a foundation to limit entrance points for the gas; using fans to pressurize a basement and prevent radon levels from rising; and using a heat recovery ventilator, which reduces radon concentrations by channeling outside air into and out of an enclosed space such as a basement.
