Radon is a naturally occurring gas with no color, taste, or odor. It can pose a severe health risk and should be tested on your property if you are at high risk for exposure. Find out everything you need to know about radon testing in Peachtree City in this article.
History of Radon
Radon gas is present all over the world. Its name comes from the Latin word for ray or beam. Radon is a radioactive gas that results from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, water, and rock. It is odorless, colorless, and tasteless.
Radon has been present in the world since the inception of Earth and is found in nearly all soils and rocks. The gas escapes from the ground into the air and can be found indoors and outdoors at deficient concentrations. In most cases, radon poses no threat to human health. However, when high radon concentrations, the gas can pose a serious health risk.
Radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in the United States. Radon-induced lung cancer claims the lives of approximately 21,000 Americans each year – more than double the number of deaths caused by house fires and six times as many as those killed in drunk driving accidents.
While radon levels vary from place to place, homes with elevated radon levels are found in every state across the country. One out of every fifteen homes in the United States has elevated levels of radon.
There are several factors that can contribute to high levels of radon in a home, including the type of foundation (slab vs. crawlspace), location (rural vs. urban), and age of the home (newer homes are more likely.
What is Radon?
Radon is created when uranium breaks down in the ground. Radon can enter your home through cracks in the foundation, which can build up to dangerous levels if not removed.
Radon testing is necessary because exposure to high radon levels can cause lung cancer. If you live in a high radon zone and are concerned about radon in your home, you can contact a professional to test for it.
If you live in Peachtree City, Georgia, you may be wondering if you need to have your home tested for radon. The answer is yes, Northern Georgia counties have high levels of radon, and 800 people died in Georgia due to radon exposure. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that all homes be tested for radon, regardless of location.
Typical Levels of Radon
Many factors contribute to the level of radon in your home, such as the type of foundation your home has, the materials used in construction, and even the location of your home.
The EPA has set the acceptable radon level at 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). Levels above this are considered to be unsafe and should be remediated.
Most homes will have levels below 4 pCi/L, but some may have higher levels. If you are concerned about the radon level in your home, the best way to find out is to get it tested.
Common Mistakes When Doing a Test
When it comes to radon testing, there are a few common mistakes that people make. First, they may only test some of the rooms in their home. Radon can enter through any opening in your home, so it’s important to test every room, even if you think everything is fine. Second, people may need to use the right type of test kit. There are two main types of radon test kits: short-term and long-term. Short-term kits only measure radon levels for a few days, while long-term kits measure radon levels over months.
Make sure you use the right type of kit for your needs. Finally, people may need to follow the instructions correctly when using a test kit. It’s essential to read the instructions carefully and follow them precisely to get accurate results. Home radon tests in Peachtree City are only recommended if you are absolutely sure you can follow instructions and perform the test accurately on your own.
The Myths of Radon Testing
There are many myths about radon testing. Some people believe that you only need to test for radon if you live in an area with high levels of radon. This is not true. Radon levels can vary from home to home, even within the same neighborhood. The only way to know if your home has high radon levels is to test for it.
Another myth about radon testing is that it is expensive and time-consuming. While some professional services can be expensive, if you are up for it there are also do-it-yourself kits that are very affordable and easy to use.
The last myth about radon testing is that you need a special device to measure the radon levels in your home. This is also not true. There are many different ways to test for radon, including short-term and long-term testing kits.
Getting Your Home Tested for Radon
While radon levels vary from place to place, Home Radon Test Peachtree City have been found to have higher levels of radon than the national average. This is likely due to the city’s proximity to a granite quarry.
There are two main ways to test for radon: active and passive. Active testing involves placing a device in your home that will measure the radon level over time. Passive testing relies on charcoal canisters that absorb radon gas and are then sent to a lab for analysis.
Radon testing available in the market range from short-term to long-term testing. Short-term tests take 2-3 days, and long-term tests take 3-12 months. Either test will give you an accurate idea of the radon level in your home. Over-the-counter or cheap counterfeit testing kits sold online usually give inaccurate results.
If you find that your home has high levels of radon, there are ways to reduce it. One option is to install a vent pipe system that carries the gas outside. Another option is to seal any cracks in your foundation that might be letting radon in. Whatever method you choose, it’s important to get rid of any radon.
Choose A Reliable Radon Testing Company
If you’re considering having your home tested for radon, choosing a reputable company that uses certified testers is important. You should also make sure that the company you choose offers both types of testing so you can get an accurate reading of the level of radon in your home. Edifice Inspections provide is a radon testing company that offers accurate and professional inspections to people all across Peachtree City, GA. Whether you are a home owner, buyer, or somewhere in between – we have the solution for you and give you complete peace of mind with our radon inspections.
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