Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that is dangerous to breathe over a prolonged period of time. Unfortunately, the gas is found at high levels in many homes throughout the country. Having your home tested for radon by a professional is the only way to know if the gas is present at unsafe levels in your house.
Radon is commonly present because it is derived from soil and rock and is released into the soil when small traces of uranium, thorium, or radium begin to break down. Radon finds its way into the home through cracks and openings in and around the foundation and becomes concentrated inside the structure.
What Are The Dangers of Radon In the Home?
Radon is a dangerous gas that is the second highest cause of lung cancer after smoking. People living in houses with elevated levels of this gas have a high risk of developing lung cancer. In the US, it is estimated that more than 20,000 people die every year from radon-related lung cancer.
There is a higher risk for cigarette smokers who are also exposed to radon. If you don’t know the radon levels in your home, you should hire a professional test for this gas. Because radon exists naturally in the earth, many people are exposed to it without their knowledge. The best way of minimizing the risks is to know the radon levels in your home. Afterward, you can take the recommended steps to keep your family and loved ones safe.
For houses with levels that are higher than 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air, mitigation is advisable.
What Are the Advantages of Having Your Home Tested for Radon by a Professional?
Radon tests can be conducted with a DIY kit, however, it is important to have your levels tested by a professional for greater accuracy. The following are some of the main reasons why you should choose a certified professional for your radon testing.
More Accurate Results
Professionals are well-equipped and able to deliver quick, accurate results because they use high-quality testing equipment.
Saves You Money
When buying or selling houses, paperwork is often needed to verify that your house has been tested for radon and is safe. Homeowners who have paperwork to prove that radon levels have been tested and are safe often sell their homes quickly and for more than homes with questionable radon levels.
Saves Lives
Having an accurate test carried out by a professional will help you protect your family and loved ones. If there is no proper, accurate test of radon levels, exposure to radon over a long period of time can cause serious health issues.
Provides Peace of Mind
Having your home tested for radon by a professional provides peace of mind when you find out the radon level is below 4 pCi/L, and if it is above, it allows you to take action to reduce the levels of radon gas in your home.
American Home Inspections Tennessee serves Middle Tennessee with home inspection services, including radon testing. Contact us to schedule an appointment.