The decay of radioactive materials found in all rocks and soils produces radon, a radioactive material with no smell, taste, or color.
Radon escapes in the air from the ground, producing radioactive particles. Testing and mitigating indoor radon are essential because they improve health risks.
Furthermore, this article will explore where you can find radon and cover all the basics you need to know about it.
Where is Radon found?
Natural occurrence
Radon is present in rocks and soil. Radon decays by ejecting from the nucleus an alpha particle composed of two neutrons and two protons.
Geographic locations with high radon levels include rock mountains, Sierra Nevada, Alaska, South Dakota, Washington, and Ohio, which are some of the places with high radioactive levels.
Radon in Homes
Common entry points of radon in homes include entering buildings in soil and rocks. The radium, uranium, and thorium enable forming radon gas through cracks to escape into the atmosphere. High-risk areas within homes include basements and crawl spaces.
Radon in Water
You can find radon dissolved in water sources, such as wells, which can be present in drinking water, household air, and surface water.
Risks of radon in well water vs. municipal water. The average concentration of radon in public water sources is about 20 becquerels per liter. Radon is released from water during household use. Radon from hot showers is 72%, washing machines release 98%, and from cold water 93%.
What to Do if Radon is Found?
Radon Mitigation Techniques
The radon mitigation system uses pipes and fans to remove radon gas by venting it outside. There is usually a fan that creates a vacuum by drawing radon gas from the slab through a chamber, then the fan pulls the radon gas to the exterior. By installing a radon mitigation system, you can protect the building from radon gas, reduce moisture in the basement, and have a low impact on healing and cooling costs.
Reducing Radon in Water
To reduce radon, you can use aeration and a granular activated carbon filter for reducing radon in water.
- Aeration: bubbling air through water strips exhaust fans vent the radon outside. A licensed water specialist can install an aeration unit on the wall and water line. Aeration can remove 99% of radon in water.
- Granulated activated carbon filter: filtering water from GAC can remove radon from
- Aeration system: it uses a shallow tray to contact air and water. Water is sprayed and flows over the tray while air is sprayed through tiny holes in the bottom of the tray.
It removes 99.99% of radon and vents it outside the home.
Long-Term Monitoring and Maintenance
The importance of regular testing after mitigation is to make sure your planning is up to date and functioning well. It faces data centers as they are constantly evolving, so risk mitigation should reflect any changes in risk or priorities.
You can maintain and inspect radon reduction systems by checking for debris inside the system. The easiest thing to do is to cut the fan off the system by using a flashlight to look up and down the pipe. If you find debris, you can remove it through a shop vacuum. But remember to disconnect from power, flip it down, and burp it as in a baby. Dust, debris, and bugs can increase fan noise, so after removing the debris, you can reinstall and power the fan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, addressing radon in buildings is crucial because it can lead to often overlooked health issues. Various factors, such as lung disorders, commonly reported with radon exposure, influence the concentration of radon. To learn more about where radon is found, then visit DSM radon. Radon control is the aim of overall risk reduction in the population. It may not be achievable, but with mitigation installed, you can get rid of radon levels in the air in your homes and offices.
FAQ Section
- How do I know if my home has radon?
The only way to analyze if radon is present in your home is by using a testing device for radon. It can be a radon test kit or professional testing, which is further classified into short-term and long-term testing. Short-term usually takes up to 48 hours, while long-term can take up to 90 days a year.
- Is it expensive to fix radon problems in a home?
The cost of a radon mitigation system can vary from $700 to $4000, but an average homeowner can pay around $1000. However, several factors, such as size, type of system, complexity, and the construction method of the home, can cause the cost to vary.
- Can radon affect new homes, or is it only a problem in older buildings?
Radon can affect new homes and not just older homes. Radon can affect any home, including new and high homes, and its levels vary by location. They are often high on the basement level.
- Does radon affect pets and animals?
Yes. Radon affects pets and animals, as they are more susceptible than human beings. Pets spend most time indoors and they are exposed to radon.
- What is the safe level of radon in homes?
According to the EPA, there is no safety limit to radon exposure, with testing t2-4 per liter considered safe but levels higher than 4 pCi/L or higher.
- How long does a radon test take?
There are several types of radon depending on the specific requirement. Short term tests can take up to 2-90 days, and the results might take up to 48 hours. Whereas long-term tests can take up to 90 days and give the results in a day or two. No, you can also opt for continuous radon monitors, which provide the data within a few days.