How does radon gas get into your property?
When we think about the air inside our homes and businesses, we might worry about dust, pollen, or pet dander. But radon gas is another sneaky danger we can't see, smell, or taste. Radon is a gas that can become a big problem when it builds up inside a property.
This guide will explore how radon enters a property and what we can do about it with radon mitigation.
What is Radon?
Before we discuss how radon enters buildings, let's first understand what it is. Radon is a radioactive gas that is a by-product of the breakdown of uranium, which occurs in soil, rocks, and water.
Radon is usually not a problem outdoors because it quickly disperses in the air. However, it can reach dangerous levels when it enters and gets trapped inside a building.
How Does Radon Enter Your Property?
Radon can enter homes and businesses in several ways. Understanding how radon gas can seep into your property is the first step toward controlling this invisible intruder:
- Cracks in Floors and Walls: One of the most common ways radon enters a property is through cracks in floors and walls. These cracks can be tiny but provide a perfect pathway for radon gas to creep into basements or lower levels.
- Gaps around Pipes and Service Lines: Every building has water, gas, or electricity pipes. Sometimes, the spaces around these pipes aren't sealed well, which allows radon to enter from the ground surrounding the property.
- Construction Joints: Construction joints can form small gaps where two parts of a building meet, such as between the floor and walls. These spaces can let radon slip into the property if not properly sealed.
- Crawlspaces: Houses or buildings with crawlspaces often have exposed soil as flooring. Radon from the soil can easily escape into the air in the crawlspace and eventually find its way into the home or business above.
- Sump Pumps: Sump pumps are usually installed in basements to prevent flooding. However, the opening of the sump pump can also be an entry point for radon, particularly if it connects to drainage tiles or areas beneath the house.
- Well Water: While less common, radon can enter a property through water from private wells. The radon gas can be expelled during showering, cooking, or washing dishes.
Why is Radon Dangerous?
Radon is dangerous because it is radioactive. Exposure to high levels of radon can increase the risk of lung cancer over time. Exposure to radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer. This is why radon testing and proper radon mitigation methods are so important.
Radon Testing
The only way to know if you have a radon problem is to test your home or business. It's a good idea to test for radon when buying a new home and regularly after that since radon levels can change over time.
Radon Mitigation: How to Reduce Radon Levels
If radon testing shows high radon levels, don't worry. There are effective radon mitigation techniques to reduce radon levels and keep you safe.
- Seal Cracks and Openings: To start, seal cracks and foundation issues around your property. This is usually paired with other mitigation methods since sealing alone may not reduce radon to acceptable levels.
- Sub-slab Depressurization: This is one of the most effective radon mitigation strategies. It involves installing a vent pipe system that draws radon from underneath the building and releases it outside, away from windows and other openings.
- Ventilation Improvements: Increasing ventilation can help reduce radon levels indoors. This could be as simple as installing new vents or fans, especially in crawlspaces and basements.
- Radon Reduction Systems for Water: If radon enters the property through healthy water, specific systems can remove radon from the water before it enters the building.
Radon Can Enter Your Property In Many Ways
Radon can sneak into homes and businesses in many ways. Understanding how radon enters a property and keeping up with radon testing is essential to ensure safe indoor air.
Luckily, with the right radon mitigation strategies, you can keep radon levels in check and protect everyone who lives or works inside your building. Remember, when it comes to radon, it's better to be safe than sorry!
