What is Radon?
You can't see it. You can't smell it. You can't taste it.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock beneath and around your home. Because radon is a gas, it can move through soil and enter a home through cracks and openings in the foundation, floors, walls, sump pits, floor drains, and other pathways. Once inside, radon accumulates to higher levels.
Why should I be concerned about radon?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other public health organizations identify radon as a significant indoor air concern. Long-term exposure to elevated levels of radon increases the risk of lung cancer. In fact, the EPA estimates that radon is responsible for thousands of lung cancer deaths in the United States each year.
The important thing to remember is that radon is a problem you can do something about, and testing is the first step.
How does radon get into a home?
Radon can enter through many pathways, including:
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Cracks in concrete floors and foundations
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Construction joints
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Gaps around pipes and utility penetrations
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Floor drains
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Sump pits
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Crawl spaces
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Exposed soil
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Gaps around basement walls and floors
Every home is different, which is why radon levels can vary significantly from one home to another - even between neighboring houses.
Can I tell if my home has radon?
Unfortunately, no. Radon has no smell, color, or taste. The only way to know the radon level in your home is to test for it. Testing is simple and can provide important information about the air in your home.
What radon level is considered high?
The EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon levels when a home has a radon level of 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher. The EPA also recommends considering mitigation when levels are between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L, because there is no known safe level of radon exposure.
How does radon mitigation work?
A radon mitigation system is designed to reduce radon levels inside your home by collecting radon from beneath the building and safely venting it outside.
A typical system may include:
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A suction point in the soil beneath or alongside the foundation
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PVC piping
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A radon mitigation fan
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A visible manometer to monitor system operation
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Sealing of appropriate openings and entry points.
The exact system depends on your home's foundation, construction, soil conditions, and existing pathways for radon entry.
What happens if my radon test comes back high?
Don't panic. A high radon result doesn't mean you have to leave your home or that your home is unsafe to live in today. It means it's time to consider reducing the amount of radon entering your home. That's where radon mitigation comes in.
Is every home different?
Absolutely. A basement, crawl space, slab-on-grade home, or home with a combination of foundation types may require different approaches. That's why we don't believe in a one-size-fits-all solution. At Rock River Radon Mitigation, we'll look at your home's construction and your test results to determine an appropriate mitigation approach.