Radon in the house is interesting for a private developer as this inert gas is a source of radioactive α-radiation. It is invisible to the eyes (colorless and odorless), tends to accumulate in rooms, significantly increasing the radiation background in places of accumulation. Because radon is 7.5 times heavier than air, it concentrates on the floors of the 1st floor or, if provided by the project, in the basement. Getting into the body by inhalation (the skin is a barrier for it), radon provokes the formation of lung cancer (factor No. 2 after smoking). Radon baths in medicine are prescribed in cases where the beneficial effect will significantly exceed the impact of α-radiation.
The risk of living with radon
Radon gas cracks down into radioactive particles that enter the lungs when you inhale. Upon more destruction, these particles deliver small bursts of energy. This can harm lung cancer and lung tissue. However, not everyone exposed to radon develops cancer, and the amount of time between exposure to radon and the onset of the disease can be measured in years.
There is no absolute certainty that radon is harmful to health, in the same way as in other environmental pollutants. However, we know that radon carries a much greater risk than all other carcinogens. This was determined in the course of research on cancer in humans (namely, miners).
Children, scientists say, are at greater risk than adults from some types of cancer caused by radiation, but there is no definitive evidence as to whether radon carries a greater risk for children.
Your chances of getting lung cancer mainly depend on:
- how much radon is in your home
- how much time do you spend indoors
How to decrease radon levels in your house?
Planning any major renovation of your home, such as converting an unfinished basement into a place to live? It is essential to test the area for radon before you begin your renovation. If tests identify a problem with radon, anti-radon equipment can be installed during repairs. So renovations can change the radon levels in your home. Always test your home after your renovation is complete.
There are many effective ways to overcome radon levels in your home. The most common of these is using a ventilation duct and fan system that lifts radon from the bottom of the house and blows it out into the street. This system does not require radical changes in your home. Sealing foundation cracks and other holes makes this kind of system more efficient and cheaper. A typical descent system usually consists of a single pipe running through the basement. The pipe can also be installed outside the building.
Reducing high levels of radon requires appropriate technical knowledge and specialized skills. You can turn to specialists who know how to solve problems with radon and will help you choose the proper method to reduce the radon level.
If you want to repair the house yourself, contact the specialists and get expert advice and recommendations.
You can hire the department of licenses and inspections in Hartford, CT, to test your home again after renovation to see if the radon levels have dropped. Moreover, it will not be superfluous to test the house every 2 years to ensure that the radon level remains low.
Schedule radon testing in East Hartford CT
Bottom-to-Top Home Inspections gives home radon testing services in East Hartford, CT. The colorless, odorless gas occurs naturally, and one out of every 15 homes has elevated levels. The Department of Licenses and Inspections in Hartford, CT, offers radon testing to ensure your house is secure for you. Typically, radon moves up through the ground and into your house through cracks and holes in the foundation. A simple, reasonable test will give you the information you want to discover if your home is safe. Contact Connecticut home inspection licensing in Hartford, CT, to learn more about radon testing in the East Hartford, CT area.
