After the Radon Testing: What to Do When Radon Levels are High?
You’ve gotten your home tested for radon, which is an important step toward improving your home’s air quality. The radon testing results are back, and they’re high. I know you are concerned—radon gas, even though it’s colorless and odorless, can seriously affect your health if left unchecked. But don’t worry; you’re not alone, and there are steps you can take to fix the problem and keep your family safe.
When I sit down with my clients, we talk about the various next steps you can take after radon testing shows elevated levels of the gas:
- Understand radon and the health risks involved
- Take these immediate actions
- Implement long-term mitigation solutions
- Plan for monitoring and maintenance
At Radon Systems of CT, we specialize in radon testing and mitigation services. My team of experienced professionals has helped countless homeowners, like you, address high radon levels and create healthier homes. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through what radon is, why it’s dangerous, and what you can do if your radon test shows high levels.
Understanding Radon and Health Risks
What Is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. While radon is usually harmless when it stays outdoors, it can build up to dangerous levels inside your home. This is most common in basements and other low areas. The gas seeps into homes through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, and other openings. Since radon is invisible and has no smell, the only way to detect it is through testing. That’s why regular radon testing is so crucial.
Health Implications
The biggest health risk from radon is lung cancer. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States – responsible for about 21,000 deaths each year, explains the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA. Smokers are at the highest risk, but anyone exposed to high radon levels over time is also vulnerable. Children and the elderly are in the greatest danger, but anyone can be affected. The health risk from radon increases significantly with prolonged exposure, which is why it’s so important to address high radon levels quickly if testing shows them to be high.
Recommended Action Levels
The EPA recommends radon mitigation if your radon levels are at or above 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air. If your test results are above this level, it’s time to act. Even if levels are below 4 pCi/L, it’s still worth considering ways to lower them, as any exposure to radon carries some risk. Remember, radon mitigation is not just about reaching a safe number—it’s about minimizing your family’s long-term health risks.
Immediate Actions to Take
Ventilation
One of the quickest ways to lower radon levels in your home is to increase airflow. Open your windows, and use fans to circulate air to help the radon gas escape – reducing its concentration indoors. This method is good to try in the short term if you’re waiting for a radon mitigation system to be installed. However, it’s important to understand that this is only a temporary fix and should be used while arranging a more permanent solution.
Seal Cracks and Openings
Radon gets into your home through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, and other openings. Sealing these entry points can help reduce radon levels, though it’s not enough on its own. Check your basement floors and walls for any cracks or gaps. Use caulk or sealants to close them up. Expanding foam, hydraulic cement, and epoxy sealants are all good options, depending on the size and location of the crack. Also, check the areas around pipes, sump pumps, and other places where radon could enter. While this step can help lower radon levels, it’s often more effective when paired with other mitigation efforts.
Monitor Levels
After taking these initial steps, it’s important to keep an eye on your radon levels. Radon levels can fluctuate based on things, like weather, soil moisture, and changes in your home’s ventilation. For example, heavy rain can increase radon levels as water in the soil forces more radon into your home. Using a continuous radon monitor will give you real-time information – helping you see how well your efforts are working and if further action is needed. Some homeowners choose to rent a monitor for a short period, but you can also buy one for ongoing peace of mind. Either way, monitoring is essential to see whether your radon levels are still high after trying the DIY methods mentioned above.
Long-Term Mitigation Solutions
Radon Mitigation Systems
A radon mitigation system is the best long-term fix for high radon levels. The most common type is called sub-slab depressurization. This type of system involves installing a pipe and fan system that uses reverse air pressure to pull radon from your home and vent it outside. This reduces the pressure difference between the ground and your home – preventing radon from getting inside.
Another option is sub-membrane depressurization, which is used in homes with crawl spaces. A plastic sheet is placed over the crawl space floor, and a vent pipe system draws radon out from beneath the membrane and vents it outside. Each system is tailored to your home’s style and type.
Professional Installation
If you’re handy, you might be tempted to tackle radon mitigation yourself. It’s best to hire a certified professional, however. Someone on my team can assess your home, design a system that works for your specific situation, and make sure it’s installed correctly. Improper installation can lead to poor results, so this is one job where it pays to get professional help.
Certified radon mitigation professionals follow standards set by organizations, like the EPA and the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) – ensuring that your system is safe and reliable. At Radon Systems of CT, our team has extensive experience installing these systems and providing ongoing support to keep your home safe.
Cost and Considerations
The cost of a radon mitigation system can vary based on your home’s size and how complex the installation is. Some factors that influence the cost include the type of foundation your home has, the amount of sealing required, and whether additional features, like a backup fan, are needed.
While this might seem like a big investment, it’s important to think about the health benefits and peace of mind of knowing your home and family are safe from radon. Many homeowners find that the cost is well worth it when weighed against the long-term health risks of radon exposure.
Monitoring and Maintenance
Regular Testing
After you’ve had your radon mitigation system installed, regular testing is key to making sure it’s still working. For most clients, I recommend testing your home every two years or after any major changes to your home, like renovations, installing new windows, or adding an extension. Some people prefer to test annually, particularly if their radon levels were very high prior to mitigation. Regular testing will give you peace of mind that your system is doing its job and keeping radon levels low.
System Maintenance
Like anything else in your home, a radon mitigation system needs regular maintenance to work properly. This can include checking the fan, making sure the vent pipe is clear, and inspecting the seals around the system. Fans typically last about five to 15 years, so it’s important to be aware of their condition and replace them when necessary. Also, make sure the system’s warning device, which alerts you if the fan stops working, is functioning correctly. Many radon mitigation companies, including Radon Systems of CT, offer maintenance services to keep your system running smoothly and catch any problems early.
Additional Safety Measures
In addition to your radon mitigation system, you might want to consider other ways to improve your home’s air quality, like installing an air purification system. These systems can help remove other pollutants from the air, such as dust, mold, and allergens – making your home even safer and healthier. Some air purifiers are designed to work alongside your HVAC system – providing whole-house air cleaning. Combining radon mitigation with other air quality improvements can create a healthier indoor environment overall.
Conclusion
Learning that your home has high radon levels can be scary, but it’s also an opportunity to take action and protect your family’s health. By improving ventilation, sealing cracks, and installing a professional radon mitigation system, you can reduce radon levels and ensure your home is safe. Regular testing and maintenance will keep your system working effectively for years to come. At Radon Systems of CT, we’re here to help you through the process, so don’t hesitate to reach out for expert advice and support.