Did you know that radon could cause 16% of lung cancer in non-smokers? There are large volumes of Radon in well-sealed houses during winter. Radon is a colorless gas belonging to the seventh group of metals which results from uranium breaking down in soil and water then consequently seeping into homes via the various cracks in the foundation, the different water supply means, cavities inside the walls, floor drains and sumps, and constructions joints. The age of the house not being a factor to consider for varying levels of radon in the surrounding.
Most countries have no radon free areas. The survey carried in Canada shows around 5.7% of the houses were above the required radon limits. In the case of increasingly high radon levels in the homes that are between 200 and 600Bq/mg, an action within two years is carried out. Over 600Bq/mg translates to the measures taken within a year and levels of 200Bq/mg and below needs no action.
How do you test for radon?
Health Canada is in charge of checking radon levels in the homes for three months preferably between September and April closing all the ventilations including the doors and windows. The most accurate measure taken in the lowest lived level of the house where an individual spends more than 4 hours of every day. It is good to undertake long-term tests by utilizing the services of a certified person. One could also perform the test by themselves but with other laboratory charges, however.
What to do in case of high radon levels in the house.
- Active soil depressurization method by making a hole in the floor and a pipe get installed with a fan to draw radon from the house. This is a do it yourself radon mitigation to help reduce radon gas levels in your house.
- You could seal all cracks in the foundation floor, walls, pipes, and drains of the house.
- Increase the means of ventilation inside the house via heat recovery ventilator for sufficient air exchange.
- Sub-Slab Depressurization done by the contractor and also increasing the basements ventilation.
The cost of mitigating my house
The following factors affect the cost of reducing radon level in the home:
- The structure and design of the house in question.
- The level of radon in the house.
However, average cost ranges from $1500 to $3000. A passive system installed during construction or a DIY radon mitigation system reduces the cost of mitigation.