Radon Test Kits: Protect Your Family With Pocket Change

It's well known that the leading cause of lung cancer in the United States is attributed to the carcinogens found in cigarette smoke. Fortunately, the solution is simple: don't smoke, and avoid cigarette smoke whenever possible.

And while there is an enormous and successful national effort to restrict cigarette smoking, efforts to raise awareness of the second-leading cause of lung cancer - radon gas exposure - are minimal.

Why Should You Be Concerned About Radon Gas In Your Home?
Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that is present naturally in all parts of the world, particularly in Iowa, North Dakota, Missouri, and in the eastern half of Nebraska, near Lincoln and Omaha. Examples of other high-risk states include Colorado, Montana, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, and many others. Radon primarily found in soil and well water, but is also present in outdoor air, building supplies, and in public water supplies.

Simply put, studies conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have shown that radon exposure is connected to more than 20,000 deaths annually. Children and infants are especially susceptible to damage from radon.

Radon gas is most dangerous to homeowners when it is present in the air. Because modern homes are more air-sealed and insulated than ever, issues with concentrated levels of radon gas are gaining in prevalence.

Using A Radon Test Kit In Your Home
Testing for radon is an inexpensive, do-it-yourself job that is easy for any homeowner. Radon test kits are available at local box stores and online, and can easily be set up in a home.

Radon gas levels change on a day-by-day basis based on temperature changes, soil conditions, wind, and much more, and will tend to be higher in the winter, when a home is "shut up". Because of this, we recommend using a long-term radon test kit instead of seeking immediate results. A typical high-quality test kit will test radon levels over a 90-day period.

While no radon level is considered safe, the EPA recommends that homeowners fix their homes if the results of one long-term test show radon levels of 4 pCi/L (or 0.02 WL) or higher.

Signs Of Radon Poisoning
Symptoms of radon poisoning are similar to those of lung cancer, and include a persistent cough that doesn't improve, difficult breathing, hoarseness, and chest pains.

In extreme cases, the victim may cough up blood, demonstrating wheezing in their breathing, and become afflicted with respiratory infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis. If any of these symptoms are present, it is very important to seek medical help as soon as possible.

What To Do If Your Radon Test Kit Shows High Levels
High radon levels are no cause for panic. An experienced radon mitigation specialist will be able to create a mitigation strategy that is cost-effective and will successfully control the radon levels in your home.

In most cases, a good professional will be able to install your system in a day or less. Current radon abatement systems have proven to have a 99% success rate. The EPA recommends mitigation methods such as soil suction (where radon-rich air below the floor is sucked out of the home), sealing, house/room pressurization, and various ventilation methods.

Thrasher Basement Systems provides radon mitigation services to homeowners throughout their Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri service area.  They install systems for radon mitigation in Omaha, Lincoln, Sioux City, and many surrounding areas. To schedule testing or a free radon mitigation quote, contact them by phone or e-mail today!