What You Need to Know About Radon Testing
Posted in Air Quality, on November 26, 2020
What is radon, and why should you think about radon testing your home? Radon gas is a colourless, odourless byproduct of uranium deposits deep underground. Found on almost every continent, radon gas makes its way to the surface through the soil, where it usually harmlessly dissipates into the atmosphere. But in many communities, radon gas collects in homes and basements, which is when it starts becoming dangerous to human health.
Why Is Radon Dangerous?
Like any radioactive particle, radon gas decays or breaks down. Because it’s so small, it’s easily breathed into the lungs, and when it decays inside our bodies, it can cause a lot of damage to the cells of our respiratory system. When the damage occurs over years or in high concentrations, these cellular changes cause lung cancer. In fact, exposure to radon gas is the second most leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoke, making a home radon test a vital tool in identifying this invisible danger.
Why You Need to Test For It
Since radon is undetectable with our senses, professional radon testing is the only way to know if your home is being affected. Without testing, there is no way to know if you’re being exposed to harmful levels of radon gas.
How We Test for Radon Gas
A home radon test is a passive, long term test that usually takes place over a few months. We use professional testing devices that carefully monitor radon gas particles to give accurate readings of the concentrations present in your home. The most effective testing happens over a longer period of time because radon can fluctuate with the weather and seasons, leading to false positives or unreliable tests.
How to Remove Radon Gas
If your radon testing returns positive results, there are a number of things you can do to make your home safe and reduce your risk of developing lung cancer. Radon remediation usually starts with thorough sealing of all cracks, gaps, or issues with your foundation that allow the gas to seep into your home. Some homeowners choose to have sub-slab-depressurization performed, which is when a pipe is inserted through the foundation to help divert radon to the outdoors. Depending on the results of your test, we can help you find a solution that fits your needs and budget, leading to a reduction of up to 80% of radon in your home.
Work with SafeAir to Reduce Your Risk
Increased awareness of radon gas and professional testing across the country has saved lives. Studies show that no home in Canada is 100% safe from radon making it more important than ever to test it in your home. To know if your home is affected, book radon testing with SafeAir for service in Toronto and the GTA, or call us at 416-414-5690.
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