Radon is a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer if you breathe it in. It can seep into your home from the soil or rocks underneath. You can’t see, smell, or taste radon, so you need to test your home to find out if you have a problem. Here are 5 tips for keeping your home safe from radon.
1. Test your home for radon. You can buy a radon test kit online or at a hardware store and follow the instructions. The test usually takes a few days and you send the kit to a lab for analysis. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends testing every two years and after any major renovation.
2. Fix any cracks or gaps in your foundation, walls, or floors. Radon can enter your home through these openings and build up inside. You can use caulk, sealant, or foam to seal them up. You should also check your pipes, vents, and sump pumps for leaks and repair them if needed.
3. Ventilate your basement and crawl spaces. Radon levels are usually higher in these areas because they are closer to the ground. You can install a fan or a vent to draw out the radon and bring in fresh air. You can also open windows and doors when possible to increase air circulation.
4. Use a radon mitigation system if your radon levels are high. A radon mitigation system is a device that lowers the radon levels in your home by sucking out the radon from below the foundation and venting it outside. You should hire a certified radon contractor to install and maintain the system.
5. Educate yourself and others about radon. Radon is a serious health risk that many people are unaware of. You can learn more about radon from the EPA website or your state health department. You can also spread the word to your family, friends, and neighbors and encourage them to test their homes for radon.
