The first step to making sure your home is safe for your family is to have radon testing performed since radon can exist in any building, whether old or new. Radon-Rid explains the process for radon testing, which can include long and short term testing. Types of Radon TestingTwo types of radon testing exist; both are relatively inexpensive and can save lives. Both short term tests and long term tests are available and reliable. Either test should be performed on the lowest level of the home that people regularly occupy. Short Term Tests In most cases, short term testing is performed first. These tests typically sample the air in an environment for 2 days, but they can also be administered for up to 90 days. If the short term test shows high radon levels, a second short term test can be performed right away to test the accuracy. If both tests have high readings, the homeowner can have a long term test performed, or schedule a professional to begin remediation. One thing to consider is that some factors can skew the results of short term radon testing. For example, storms change air pressure levels. The type of pressure in the home, high or low, can change the readings of the test. Heavy rains can keep radon from escaping outside through the soil. Heavy winds can sweep radon into or out of the house. If possible, schedule your radon testing for a time when no severe weather is expected. Some appliances can also affect the test readings, such as furnaces, bathroom fans, heaters and others. To get the most reliable results, the tests are often performed in “closed house” conditions. Closed house means just you might think. Doors and windows are closed, often for up to 12 hours before testing begins. Doors can be opened to enter or exit, but they are supposed to be closed as much as possible. If doors and windows are opened too often, radon levels could be diluted, and yield inaccurate test results. Long term tests Long term tests can run for 90 days up to a year. Long term testing is more reliable than short term testing, but often people just want to have the results back as soon as possible. In the case of the real estate transaction, time is often limited due to loan locks and closing dates. A buyer may be unwilling or unable to wait. As a homeowner, whether you just want to test your home for radon to have peace of mind, or if you are thinking of putting your home on the market, as part of the process of radon testing, you can follow up a short term test with a long term one. A long term test is often more sophisticated and is able to counteract any fluctuations due to weather. Active radon testing devices can actually detect if any interference or tampering with the test conditions has occurred. This type of test helps if radon levels just happen to spike in the coldest month of the year due to having the house closed for warmth. If the test registers very low levels the rest of the year, you will likely have no need for mitigation. Call Radon-Rid for Certified Radon Testing and RemediationThe EPA recommends having radon testing done every two years, because levels can change. Changes in soil density, construction, and other factors can cause radon levels to rise. If you test your home for radon every two years, you will have fair warning, and time to reduce levels, before you and your family have been exposed for too long. Contact us today to schedule radon testing in your home and gain peace of mind.
Blog is originally published at: https://www.radonrid.com/what-is-the-process-for-radon-testing/ It is republished with permission from the author.
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Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, with up to 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year attributed to radon. Knowing the dangers of radon, homeowners should also know that some regions and households are more susceptible than others due to factors like local geology. To ensure that your home is safe from the dangers of radon, Radon-Rid provides a tool to help you check your county radon levels to keep you informed and aware of radon’s presence. What Causes Different County Radon Levels?While radon, as an element, is found all over the Earth, each region has different levels and quantities of radon. Radon is a radioactive gas formed by the natural decay of other elements: thorium and uranium. This decay occurs in soil, rocks, and water. Each region’s unique geology means that radon levels across the country, and even within states, are different. As an example, radon levels are typically higher in the northeastern and Midwest states than in southern states. Much variation exists, however, and two identical homes next to each other could have completely different radon gas levels. One could have elevated levels while the other has no discernible radon presence. Knowing both your county radon levels and the radon levels of your home are vital to knowing if you need a professional to provide radon remediation to keep your family safe. What Is A Safe/Unsafe Level of Radon?Radon concentration in the air is measured in units of picoCuries per Liter (pCi/L). As for a safe level of radon: Radon is radioactive, and is best avoided whenever possible. However, the national average of outdoor radon levels is 0.4 pCi/L, with local levels varying. While organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lack an officially designated safe level of radon, certain radon levels are used as guidelines. For example, if a home has a radon level of 4 pCi/L or above, the EPA recommends the homeowners take immediate action to reduce radon in their home. Because radon is undetectable to human senses, getting your home tested is the only sure way to know the radon level of your home. What You Can Do To Stay Safe from RadonAlthough radon is found in water, the majority of people come into contact with radon in the air, and can have resulting lung ailments when exposed to radon in the air in their homes. Again, the best way to stay safe is to contact a professional and get your home tested and remediated if necessary. Learning your county radon levels will also give you the tools to raise awareness and encourage others in your area to test their homes. Call Radon-Rid for Radon Testing and Remediation in PennsylvaniaRadon-Rid’s team has years of experience with radon testing and remediation. We are committed to helping keep you and your family safe. Our certified specialists take the time to understand your concerns and answer your questions, from state and county radon levels to the best remediation solutions for your home. For radon testing and remediation services that you can trust, contact us today.
Blog is originally published at: https://www.radonrid.com/learn-your-county-radon-levels-to-stay-safe-from-radon/ It is republished with permission from the author. Radon-Rid is committed to protecting the health and safety of our customers and staff. With COVID-19 presenting major health concerns, we have temporarily suspended our radon testing and mitigation services until further notice. We have been answering phone and email messages, but we are unable to schedule appointments at this time. Current COVID-19 DevelopmentsAs of today, Pennsylvania has 851 reported cases of COVID-19, with 252 of those in Philadelphia. According to Fox 29, Rachel Levine, the Pennsylvania Health Secretary, has said that the spike is due to new cases rather than expanded testing. The situation has prompted new restrictions in Pennsylvania counties.
Governor Wolf had previously ordered restrictions on schools, theaters, gyms and more in Montgomery County, and has now issued “stay at home” orders for Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Monroe, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. Governor Wolf has stated, “I remain deeply concerned about this public health crisis and we must continue to take careful but critical steps now to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We are issuing these orders because Pennsylvanians’ health and safety remain our highest priority.” Traveling activities that are allowed for Pennsylvania residents are those that are deemed essential, including:
Types of businesses and institutions that are exempt from the Governor’s order include:
For up to date information on COVID-19 information or restrictions in Pennsylvania, visit https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/. The team at Radon-Rid encourages residents to practice safe measures to remain healthy. We hope that this situation improves rapidly, and we will respond to requests, though we are unable to make appointments at this time. Stay healthy, stay safe and stay vigilant! Blog is originally published at: https://www.radonrid.com/pennsylvania-covid-19-updates/ It is republished with permission from the author. Radon What is radon? Radon is an odorless, invisible, radioactive, tasteless gas. Where is radon found? Outdoors, radon is found in rocks and soil. It can also be found in hot springs and some spring waters. Indoors, it can be found in buildings, inside homes, schools, and offices. Are radon concentrations the same everywhere? No, radon concentrations differ from
In open spaces, the concentration is low whereas in poorly ventilated homes, it peaks. What are the factors on which radon concentration depends?
Radon concentration depends on how much radon is in the ground under a structure, atmospheric conditions and how much ventilation happens in a house. How does radon enter buildings? Radon enters buildings directly from the soil through the lowest level in the building that is in contact with the ground. Cracks in foundations and walls, construction joints, gaps in suspended floors and around service pipes, cavities inside walls, and water supply are some of the more common entry points of radon into your home. Radon Levels How are radon levels measured? Picocuries per liter of air, or pCi/L, is the usual measurement for the level of radon. What are safe radon levels? There is nothing called a safe radon level. Any radon exposure is risky. But according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency or the EPA, action needs to be taken if the radon level is 4 pCi/L or more. However, EPA also recommends that Americans can consider fixing their home for radon levels between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L. Read on for more Radon FAQ. Health and Radon What effect does radon have on your health? Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. It can also exacerbate other breathing problems, such as asthma. Radon Testing Why test for radon? Testing is the only way to find out if you have a radon problem. How to test for radon? Short and long term kits are easily available in the market to test for radon levels in your home, office or school. You can also schedule a professional to come in and test for radon in your home. When should you test for radon? You need to test for radon at regular intervals, even if your radon levels are below 4 pCi/L. If you are buying or selling your home, test for radon. Radon Mitigation What is radon mitigation? Radon mitigation is the process by which a professional installs a system to reduce radon concentrations. Do radon mitigation systems work? Yes, radon mitigation systems can reduce radon levels by up to 99%. Radon-Rid, LLC is a fully insured, licensed, and certified radon testing and radon mitigation company. For a consultation or more radon FAQ, visit their website https://www.radonrid.com. About Radon-Rid, LLC: Radon-Rid, LLC is a fully insured, licensed, and certified radon testing and radon mitigation company. We are certified by the PA-DEP (Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection) to perform radon testing and radon remediation services in Bucks County, Montgomery County, Chester County and Delaware County. Call us at (610) 624-6928 or contact Radon Rid to schedule or book an appointment to test your home for radon gas. Why are Pennsylvania radon levels in homes so high? Indoor radon levels are dependent upon the distribution of uranium-rich rocks and soils and the porousness of the earth, near a home. Pennsylvania happens to have a high distribution of these uranium-rich rocks and soils. Different homes, even those close to each other can have varying levels of radon. These levels may be impacted by the condition of the homes, for example more foundation cracks could allow more of the gas to get into the home. Radon is an invisible, odorless, radioactive gas that seeps into homes from the earth via cracks in the foundation or other small openings. Radon causes an estimated 15,000 to 22,000 lung cancer deaths each year. The radioactive gas is present all across the country, but Pennsylvania radon levels are exceptionally high. What is a High Radon Level?Nearly every county in Pennsylvania has high radon levels. The average radon level in PA homes is around 7-8 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that homeowners take immediate action at 4 pCi/L. The EPA says in 49 of 67 Pennsylvania counties the predicted average indoor radon screening levels exceed federal guidelines. How to Test Your Home for RadonBecause Pennsylvania radon levels for each county are different, and the variation between homes can be so drastic, homeowners should test their homes to ensure that their families are safe from radon. Contacting a certified, licensed professional to test your home if there is no mitigation technique in place or to inspect existing mitigation tools will ensure that the results are thorough and accurate. Radon testing and remediation professionals perform two types of radon testing: short term and long term. Both forms of testing are useful. The short-term method is the most frequently used, while the long-term process most accurately represents radon levels since all seasons and many home conditions are taken into account. Winter is a good time for testing for radon, as windows and doors mostly remain closed, allowing the testing specialist to collect data for a “worst-case” scenario. If you are planning to buy a new home in Pennsylvania, as well, you should contact the realtor to test the house for radon. A few additional tips for testing your home for radon:
Once testing is complete, PA homeowners can decrease their home radon levels by working with a professional to install a mitigation system. Most radon exposure occurs in buildings, so testing and mitigation will keep more homeowners and PA residents safe and healthy. Radon-Rid LLC Provides Experienced and Certified Radon Testing and RemediationWe recognize that homeowners across Pennsylvania want to keep their families safe, which is why we strive to inform residents of Pennsylvania radon levels. Radon-Rid has certified, experienced, and insured radon testing and remediation specialists, so that Pennsylvania residents can be safe and have peace of mind. For a consultation or more information about radon, contact us today.
Blog is originally published at: https://www.radonrid.com/why-pennsylvania-radon-levels-are-high-and-how-to-test-your-home/ It is republished with permission from the author. Radon is a national environmental problem, causing over 20,000 deaths every year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and the Surgeon General’s Office. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer and the number one amongst non-smokers. Wondering what is radon? Read on to find out. Radon is:
Radon is formed
Radon is present
It disperses quickly outdoors, but is deadly, indoors, inside closed doors at homes, schools and workplaces. Do you know what is radon’s way of entering our homes?
Radon concentrations
Higher concentrations of radon
Radon levels at sea are usually quite low. Radon is a health hazard being
Every 1 in 30 humans are sensitive to radon. According to the EPA and Surgeon General, action needs to be taken if
The only way to find out the level of radon in your home, office or school is to conduct tests at regular intervals because radon levels keep changing. Radon testing can be done in two ways
If high radon levels are detected, remediation measures need to be implemented at the earliest. Now that you know what is radon and its deadly impact on lives, contact an experienced professional to take care of all your radon woes. Radon-Rid, LLC is a fully insured, licensed, and certified (by the PA-DEP or Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection) radon testing and radon mitigation company. They offer free, on-site walkthroughs to trace radon levels and even arrange a proposal with a certified specialist. Radon-Rid’s latest equipment, experienced and knowledgeable technicians ensure that customer satisfaction levels are met and even exceeded. About Radon-Rid, LLC: Radon-Rid, LLC is a fully insured, licensed, and certified radon testing and radon mitigation company. We are certified by the PA-DEP (Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection) to perform radon testing and radon remediation services in Bucks County, Montgomery County, Chester County and Delaware County. Call us at (610) 624-6928 or contact Radon Rid to schedule or book an appointment to test your home for radon gas. 2/27/2020 What You Need to Know About Competitive Advantage With Regard to Radon Testing and RemediationRead NowMany factors can be considered when a customer is trying to establish the competitive advantage of using one company’s services over another. Price, of course is a major one, and customer service is another. When comparing radon testing and remediation companies, what factors do you look for? Competitive Advantage FactorsRadon testing and remediation are two home improvement activities that homeowners must be proactive about. Radon gas exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and since any home can be at risk, no one can afford to forego inspection. Since radon is so harmful to our health, and we all want to protect our families, knowledge, experience and effectiveness will be big factors in who you choose to perform your radon testing and/or radon mitigation. Knowledge Companies in Pennsylvania are certified through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. If a company has this certification, you know that the specialist who is servicing your home has had comprehensive training, passed a rigorous test, and is required to receive continuing education in order to stay up to date on information and best practices. Experience (Time in Business) A certified technician can properly test and install a radon mitigation system, but a company with experience offers a competitive advantage because the specialists have seen a variety of situations. Radon mitigation systems are chosen for their effectiveness based on several factors, such as the type of home foundation and the age of the home. A radon testing and remediation company who has been in business for years will know what system will work best for you, allowing you to get a more accurate cost and time estimate. Effectiveness A radon remediation system can make your home safe for your family and friends, as long as you have the right system, properly installed. At Radon-Rid, we guarantee our installations. After installation is complete, we have the home tested again, and we have the test processed by a third party to avoid any conflict of interest. We want you to feel confident that your home environment is a safe one. Call Radon-Rid for Radon Testing and Remediation in PennsylvaniaRadon-Rid’s services are priced competitively and our techs have over 10 years of experience. In addition, we take a consultative approach to radon testing and remediation. Our certified specialists take the time to hear your concerns and answer your questions. We often get questions like why residents can get such a variance in readings in the same place (could be that weather conditions caused pressure variations that impacted radon gas levels temporarily) or why one method of mitigation is better than another for your home (foundation type is one of the key elements in choosing the right mitigation system). For radon testing and remediation services that you can trust, contact us today.
Blog is originally published at: https://www.radonrid.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-competitive-advantage-with-regard-to-radon-testing-and-remediation/ It is republished with permission from the author. You are exposed to radon when you breathe in this invisible, odorless, radioactive, deadly gas. It is present in the air around us, but is highly concentrated inside closed doors - at home, workplace, school. These are places where radon exposure is most likely as we spend most of our time here. All kinds of homes have radon, although well insulated, tightly sealed homes are most at risk. There are many simple steps that you can take to reduce radon in your home and protect yourself and your family from the deadly effects of this gas. Read on to get more information. To reduce radon in your home, you do not need to spend a fortune. Three DIY tips can help:
Although very useful, the above are all short term solutions to reduce radon in your home. For a long-term effect, make sure you hire professionals to test for radon and install radon mitigation systems in your home. Radon-Rid, LLC is a full-service radon testing, mitigation, and remediation company. Certified by the PA-DEP (Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection) to perform radon testing and radon remediation services in Bucks County, Montgomery County, Chester County and Delaware County, Radon-Rid specializes in reducing radon to its lowest levels. Their team of radon mitigation specialists focus on providing top-notch services and are “driven to help save lives”. Call them on (610) 624-6585 for a free consultation about reducing radon in your home. The cold, snowy winter months are fully here, and one of the questions we get asked most often during this time is: are radon levels higher in winter? To answer that question, yes, radon levels in a home tend to be higher during the winter. And those higher levels of radon gas can lead to an increased chance of lung cancer. While indoor radon gas levels are generally higher during winter, sometimes the summer can have higher indoor radon levels. Many factors, both related to seasonal variations and human behavior, affect radon levels. How Are Radon Levels Higher in Winter?Here are some of the reasons that radon levels are higher in winter. Closed Windows and Doors How often do people keep the doors and windows open during the winter? Rarely, because we are trying to stay warm during the cold weather. But this can increase our chances of radon exposure. Radon naturally flows into houses from rocks, soil, and even water, usually entering through basements or foundations. All of those closed doors and windows prevent radon from leaving your home and going back outside. This can lead to increased concentrations of radon simply because the gas has fewer ways to escape your home. We recommend getting your home tested for radon during the winter, as doing so allows radon specialists to test for a “worst-case-scenario.” Accurate assessment of radon levels helps in planning and installing the right radon mitigation systems to handle radon in your home. Blankets and Caps What is a major way people keep themselves warm during the winter? Wrapping up in a blanket inside, and wearing a cap outside. We prevent the cold air from chilling us by protecting our bodies with blankets and caps. A similar effect happens with radon levels during winter. Snow acts as a blanket for the ground, preventing radon from seeping out and trapping the gas underneath. That radon tries to escape the soil, and the easiest way to do so when a lot of snow is blocking the way is through our homes. The frozen soil also makes radon’s escape from under the ground much harder. This is also true of the summer, as the University of Massachusetts found that rainfall during the summer has the same effect on radon as snowfall does in the winter. Rain and snow prevent radon from escaping the soil and direct the radon to flow into our homes. So whenever someone asks us, “Are radon levels higher in winter?” the answer is “yes,” but with some exceptions. Stack Effect The other major contributor to higher radon levels in winter is the stack effect. Air pressure is higher near the top of our homes as the air works to escape outdoors. While lower levels, such as basements, have lower air pressure as air from outside flows inward. That difference between those two air pressures is heightened when the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures is greater. The times of the year when that difference is greatest are, unsurprisingly, winter and summer. All of these factors combine for higher radon levels in winter, and that makes testing all the more important. Conducting short term and long term testing of your home for radon in the winter is a smart decision, allowing a radon specialist to have a fully accurate understanding and assessment of your home’s radon levels. We will then install the best mitigation system for you so that you and your family can stay safe and reduce your risk of lung cancer. Contact Radon-Rid To Keep Your Family Safe During WinterAre radon levels higher in winter? Yes, generally radon levels are higher in the winter. Take the first step and get your home tested for radon. Radon-Rid is a fully licensed radon testing and remediation company. Our skilled, certified experts will test, assess, and mitigate radon in your home to keep you and your family safe. Stay safe from radon and reduce your risk of lung cancer by contacting us today.
Blog is originally published at: https://www.radonrid.com/are-radon-levels-higher-in-winter-how-seasons-affect-radon/ It is republished with permission from the author. Colorless, odorless radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and causes around 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year. While some have known about the dangers of radon for a long time, the public as a whole has just recently learned about the effects and presence of radon in their homes. We encourage people to test their homes and take action, and today, the Radon-Rid team wants to highlight local efforts to reduce radon gas exposure in communities around the country. Local Efforts to Reduce RadonThese two stories highlight individuals who went beyond their usual work to keep their communities safe from radon. A Science Teacher Inspires Her Students Deborah Clinebell, a junior high science teacher in Waterloo, Illinois, spent a chemistry lecture talking about the environmental and health risks of radon. She discussed lung cancer risks and high state radon levels. Her students were highly interested, and as such, Deborah expanded this lesson into more than a chemistry lecture. She and her students wrote letters to school families, convincing around 200 families to test their homes for radon. Deborah and her colleague, math teacher Carrie Stewart, joined the students for an experiment. The group compiled and analyzed indoor radon data of the recently rested homes. The University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign collaborated with the school to give students access to geographic information system (GIS) technology. GIS allowed the students to create maps and see the distribution of radon in the area. A simple lecture by a science teacher turned into several interdisciplinary projects. The students learned about data analysis, the scientific method, and environmental policy advocacy. Deborah’s work is a shining example of just one of the many local efforts to reduce radon. Building Radon-Resistant Habitats for Humanity Jennifer Langton, an Environmental Resources Specialist at Habitat for Humanity International, first learned about the dangers of radon when she read about the Healthy Homes Program by the EPA. Seeing how reducing radon connected with the broader goal of Habitat for Humanity, Jennifer began her mission to educate the Habitat community on radon and Reducing Radon in New Construction (RRNC) techniques. Jennifer arranged the Southern Regional Radon Training Center to present information on RRNC techniques to Habitat. She began presenting the importance of installing proper radon mitigation systems in new homes to Habitat construction staff. Although she ran into a lack of funding, Jennifer persevered and collaborated with the Alabama Extension Service’s Radon program to utilize RRNC construction in 35 new houses. Jennifer’s mission to promote radon reduction as a crucial part of home building and construction highly affected Habitat for Humanity. Before her work, Habitat considered radon a separate issue from the initial construction. Now Habitat routinely covers additional costs to prevent radon presence in new homes in areas with known high radon concentrations. The impact of a well-known organization taking more efforts to keep people safe from radon is hard to overstate. Contact Radon-Rid to Help Test Your HomeIn Pennsylvania, we have noted local efforts to reduce radon through a push to have mandatory radon testing for schools. One of the ways you can get involved is by testing your own home to keep your family safe. Then, spread awareness, encourage others to do the same. Our certified, specially trained technicians provide accurate testing and work with homeowners to install the best radon mitigation system to keep them safe. To radon test your home, or for more information, contact Radon-Rid today.
Blog is originally published at: https://www.radonrid.com/radon-rid-highlights-local-efforts-to-reduce-radon/ It is republished with permission from author. |
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Radon Remediation and MitigationRadon gas is a risk for many homes in southeastern PA and radon remediation is a necessary action for homes and commercial buildings. Archives
February 2018
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