Radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas generated by the natural decay of radioactive substances like uranium in the soil. It is produced naturally in the atmosphere and if inhaled over a prolonged period of time, can cause lung cancer. Radon gas disperses rapidly in the outdoors and is not considered as a major issue outside. But its presence indoors, in homes, schools and workplaces, is a major concern for health. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon gas, after being produced naturally, generally enters buildings through gaps and cracks in the foundation and gets trapped indoors. Effective radon remediation methods should be deployed at homes to ensure safety and eradicate any potential health hazards. The primary step that one should take before implementing any radon remediation method is to test the level of radon in the premise. As per the US EPA, radon concentration level of 4 pCi/L or higher is considered as gravely dangerous for health and one should start mitigating risks by employing suitable radon remediation methods. The selection of the right radon remediation methods for homeowners typically depends on the following criteria:
Experts suggest to keep our premises as airy and ventilated as possible to minimize the effect of radon gas. But then, those are more of temporary solutions as the radon concentrations do build up over time. One should employ more strategic radon remediation methods. Remediation experts often select the radon remediation method based on the type of home foundation:
Other radon remediation methods include:
Radon-Rid, LLC is a fully insured, licensed, and certified radon testing and radon mitigation company. The knowledgeable and experienced radon experts at Radon-Rid choose radon remediation methods based on the varying factors, giving you a customized solution. For a consultation or more information, contact them today! 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.
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The winter months are just around the corner, and winter means different things to different people. Some think of enjoying the snow by going out skiing or snowboarding, while others prefer to sit by a warm fire with a cup of hot chocolate. Winter also can result in increased radon levels, and is therefore an ideal time for testing. Since radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, testing your home for radon is important. But what exactly makes radon testing in winter smart? What makes winter the ideal time for testing your home for radon? High Radon LevelsSeasonal variations can actually affect levels of radon, or the severity of a radon problem, in your home. One reason why radon levels are higher in the winter is that windows are more often kept closed. While opening a few windows in the spring and summer will do very little to mitigate radon, the influx of outdoor air does help dilute radon gas. During winter, we keep our windows closed to stay warm, but this causes radon to become more concentrated within your home. And since people tend to stay inside more often during cold weather, radon exposure is increased too. The ground your home is built on becomes another issue. Radon is a naturally occurring gas found all over the world, and most often enters homes through the soil. That soil can freeze during winter, making a more difficult path to the surface for radon. Radon will take the path of least resistance to escape the ground, and that path is often right into your home. Radon is also being pulled up from the ground thanks to a stack effect. In the winter, warm air will escape your house by any means, from drafty windows, vents, or any available opening. A vacuum forms and pulls air from the lower levels of your house, which is where radon most commonly enters, up through the rest of the house. Why Radon Testing in Winter is SmartThe combined factors of closed windows and doors, frozen ground, and the stack effect contribute to higher radon levels during the winter. And while some people may continue spending time outdoors just like in the spring and summer, many will spend more time indoors increasing exposure to radon. This makes winter the ideal time to test for radon. Radon testing in winter is a smart decision because you are essentially testing a “worst-case scenario” with regards to your house and radon. Testing, either short-term or long-term, during winter, will give you and your radon specialist a clearer picture of your property’s radon risk. This helps them to make a proper assessment and install the right radon mitigation system. Contact Radon-Rid To Keep Your Family Safe During WinterRadon testing in winter is only the first step, and any radon issues you have in your home can be alleviated with the right help. Radon-Rid is a fully licensed radon testing and remediation company. Our skilled, certified experts can test, assess, and mitigate radon in your home and keep you and your family safe. If you want to stay safe from radon and reduce your risk of lung cancer, contact us today.
Blog is originally published at: https://www.radonrid.com/why-is-radon-testing-in-winter-smart/ It is republished with permission from author. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and while many people and health organizations rightly focus on smoking-related lung cancer, we also want to help spread awareness of radon. Many people in the United States are unaware of radon. But radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, and many people, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest regions are susceptible. Radon-Rid encourages you to test your home for radon, and here is why testing is so important. How Radon Affects Lung CancerRadon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas found all over the world within rocks, water, and soil. The gas is also colorless, odorless, and tasteless, so people are completely unaware when breathing radon. While people are exposed to radon, the exposure is usually in minute quantities that cause little, if any, issues by themselves. The problem occurs in people’s homes, or in buildings where they spend a lot of time, such as schools, where radon can seep into from the ground, over a long period of time. Over many years, radon slowly damages the cells that line the lungs, increasing the risk of lung cancer. Lung cancer risk is especially high for smokers, and generally, women are at greater risk than men. High levels of radon concentration can be found anywhere, in any type of building structure. Radon typically enters buildings through cracks in the foundation, construction joints, or drains. The gas can even enter buildings through well water. The unique geology of the Northeast and Midwest United States creates the potential for many areas to have a serious radon threat that can affect people every day. Around 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year have been attributed to exposure to high levels of radon. As dangerous and harmful as radon is, the silent killer can be avoided, and that process all starts with testing. Test Your Home for Lung Cancer Awareness MonthMany organizations such as the Lung Cancer Foundation of America will spend Lung Cancer Awareness Month spreading awareness throughout the country on the causes, effects, and solutions to lung cancer. Awareness is an important first step in recognizing radon; the next step is testing. Testing your home for radon is vital to fully understand the scale and severity of a potential radon problem, regardless of where you live or how old your house is. Getting your home tested in November, or any of the winter months for that matter, is a smart decision. Both short-term and long-term testing are important, and we are able to perform both to get the most accurate radon levels possible. When testing is done, and if your home has a radon level above 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), the EPA recommends immediate action toward working out a plan for remediation. Contact Radon-Rid To Keep Your Home and Family SafeFor Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we can work together to keep you and your family safe from radon. Radon-Rid is a fully licensed radon testing and remediation company. Our certified, highly experienced specialists can provide you the testing and remediation your home needs to mitigate radon gas levels and give you peace of mind. For more information or a free consultation, contact us today.
Blog is originally published at: https://www.radonrid.com/check-for-radon-during-lung-cancer-awareness-month/ It is republished with permission from author. Many people who suffer from various ailments such as arthritis and gout have taken some interesting measures to alleviate their conditions. Those measures? Sitting in decommissioned uranium mines in Montana, drinking radon water, and inhaling radon gas. While many people are unaware of the history of radon gas, the dangers themselves have been known for much longer than one may think. History of Radon Gas: Observations & DiscoveriesRadon was discovered in 1899 by Ernest Rutherford and Robert B. Owens, making radon the fifth radioactive element discovered at the time. In 1900, German physicist Friedrich Ernst Dorn discovered that radon is emitted from radium. Future experiments by Rutherford, Owens, and other scientists such as Marie Curie, observed how radon was emanating from other radioactive elements such as uranium and thorium. Rutherford originally called the gas “emanation,” but was later named radon. Although radon was discovered in 1899, the effects of radon and other radioactive elements have been known far longer. In 1530, Swiss physician Paracelsus described the malady common to metal miners as “mala metallorum,” and German mineralogist Georgius Agricola suggested implementing ventilation of mines to protect miners’ health. F. H. Harting and W. Hesse later identified this condition to be lung cancer after observing miners in Schneeberg, Germany. Most of the known dangers of radon were about mines and miners, but in the mid-to-late 20th century, the presence of indoor radon gas became a widespread issue. The Public Learns of Radon and Takes ActionIn 1984, an American construction engineer named Stanley Watras had set off radiation monitors for several days as he went to and left work at the Limerick nuclear power plant in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. What was odd was that the plant was under construction and therefore nuclear fuel was absent. Watras was actually bringing the radiation from his home. The radon level in his house tested at 2,700 pCi/L, nearly 700 times higher than 4 pCi/L, the level at which the EPA suggests that homeowners should take action. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) looked much closer into the effects of radon and how to minimize the risk. From what started as observations of miners in the 16th century to the discoveries and scientists, the health risks of radon have become more known and people are taking action. Some new houses that are built come with radon mitigation systems installed while January has been designated “National Radon Action Month.” But many homes are still affected by radon, and the undetectable nature of the gas makes taking action vital. Radon-Rid Is Here To Test Your Home and Keep You SafeThe history of radon gas shows radon to be a danger that puts many people at risk. But you can mitigate the threat. 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), and we provide radon testing, inspection, and remediation services. Contact us for a consultation and more information.
Blog is originally published at: https://www.radonrid.com/the-history-of-radon-gas-in-health/ It is republished with permission from author. The cancer-causing gas, radon, has a strong presence in the United States, with Pennsylvania being among the states having high levels of radon. "Because of the state's geology, Pennsylvanians are at risk of exposure to high radon levels," said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. About 40% of the homes in Pennsylvania are believed to have elevated levels of this deadly, radioactive, colorless, odorless gas. In Berks County, the average indoor radon levels, as determined by radon test results from Air Chek, Inc, is 10 pCi/L while the average national indoor radon level in the United States is 1.3 pCi/L. Hence, the increased necessity of radon testing and remediation in Berks County. In Berks County as elsewhere, incorrect radon testing and ineffective remediation can lead to you living under a false impression of the radon levels in your home or office. Choosing an experienced firm that offers skilled professional services, is of vital importance. Go through our guide below to select the right firm offering radon testing and remediation in Berks County.
4. Ensure the firm has relevant licensing. Although there is not one national licensing program that is mandatory, try to choose a firm that is certified by the NRPP. AARST-NRPP professionals adhere to ANSI American National Standards, and must undergo training, testing and continuing education to retain their certification. 5. Last but not the least, make sure the firm you shortlist offers warranties on the products they install and guarantee on the services they offer. 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. If you are looking for radon testing and remediation in Berks County, contact Radon-Rid today! 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. Radon poses a serious threat to thousands of Americans, being the second-leading cause of lung cancer. That threat is the reason that getting your home tested by a professional is essential. But what about removing or preventing radon from entering your home? Radon-Rid explains the various types of remediation systems and how they work. What Are The Types of Remediation Systems?Sub-Slab Depressurization Sub-slab depressurization (also known as sub-slab suction) is a method that removes the radon-laden air from beneath the foundation, which occurs as a natural result of uranium and thorium presence, and vents the gas outside. A pipe with a fan is installed in the foundation and runs all the way up to the roof of the house. This pipe can be either external and viewable from the outside, or internal where only a small section of the pipe in the attic is visible from the outside. This method uses active (ASSD) and passive (PSSD) remediation systems. Both of these methods work in the same way. However, the passive system has no fan and is often built as a preventive measure in new houses. This type can be converted to an active system if needed at a later date. The active system is considered to be more effective and common than the passive system. Sub-Membrane Ventilation Sub-membrane ventilation is similar to the sub-slab depressurization method but is more effective in removing radon in houses or buildings with basements or crawlspaces and basements. A high-density polyethylene sheet barrier over the soil collects the gas and acts as a membrane. We then insert a pipe or drain mat with a fan, creating a vacuum and ventilating the radon to the outdoors. Block Wall Suction Block wall suction is a method used for homes that have hollow foundation walls. The system involves the use of a fan and ductwork to draw the air from the hollow inner cavities of the concrete block wall. Radon gas enters basements because the air pressure in the house is lower than the air pressure in the ground. The block wall suction makes the air pressure in the block wall lower than in the basement and works to pull radon from the soil before the gas enters the house. Call Radon-Rid for Effective Radon RemediationRadon-Rid, LLC focuses primarily on customer safety and satisfaction and encourages customers to look no further when considering a radon remediation contractor. The customers come first, and Radon-Rid is willing to provide local referrals from other homeowners who have hired our services for radon testing and remediation. Contact us today to learn about the types of remediation systems, cost, and to set up a consultation.
Blog is originally published at: https://www.radonrid.com/radon-rid-explains-types-of-remediation-systems/ It is republished with permission from author. Radon, a silent killer, is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. A radioactive gas, radon is formed by the decomposition of radium, a naturally occurring element found in all rock and soil. So whether or not a home has a radon problem depends upon how much radium is present in the soil that the structure is built upon. The only way to know if your home or office has elevated radon levels is by conducting a radon test - yourself and/or by professionals. Where to first conduct a radon test?
The first place to test is the lowest lived-in level of the home - a family room in the basement. How expensive is a radon test? Radon testing is easy and affordable. What are the different kinds of radon tests?
How to conduct a radon test?
Prospective Homeowners & the Seasonality of Radon If you are looking to buy a property, make sure a radon test is performed prior to the purchase. Some homes will test higher in winter than summer. So, if you are buying a home in summer and find a low radon level reading, be sure to get a radon test done again in winter. The same house can have a much higher radon concentration in the winter season. Hence, radon levels can vary depending on many factors like,
Regular radon tests are the way to go. Radon-Rid, LLC is a fully insured, licensed, and certified radon testing and radon mitigation company. For a consultation or more information about radon tests, contact them today! 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. If you are in the market for a new home, you have already considered countless factors. One important yet often overlooked activity is to radon test a new home you are considering purchasing. Radon is an invisible, colorless, odorless gas that seeps into homes from the soil. Radon is radioactive due to being the byproduct of broken-down uranium and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. If you are currently looking into a new home, whether building a new one or buying an older one, you should get the house tested for radon before you buy, and mitigate radon levels if needed. Below are some considerations when testing a new home for radon. The Home Has Already Been Tested for RadonIf the seller did radon test your new home, you may either accept the earlier test result or ask the seller to do a new test. If the seller did conduct a previous test, consider the results, who conducted it, where and when the test was taken within the house, and any structural or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) changes. The Home Has Yet To Be Tested for RadonIf the house is lacking a previous test, discuss having a radon test done by a certified professional with the seller. A professional will have gone through all the training and be able to determine the best testing methods for your new home. Make sure you conduct the test as soon as possible. The test should be done on the lowest level of the house that will used regularly. Currently, no federal or state laws require sellers to test homes for radon, so make sure that you ask the seller to conduct a test or ask to see the results of a previous test. Building a New HomeBut what if you are choosing to build a new home; can you still test for and mitigate radon? Yes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that the main benefits to installing radon mitigation systems during construction are:
Contact Radon-Rid to Help You Radon Test A New HomeWhether you are buying an existing home or building a new one, radon testing is crucial to ensure the safety of you and your family. Our certified, specially trained technicians will provide accurate testing and work with you to install the best radon mitigation system for your new home. To radon test your new home, or for more information, contact Radon-Rid today.
Blog is originally published at: https://www.radonrid.com/test-before-you-buy-radon-test-a-new-home-purchase/ It is republished with permission from author. Radon may be undetectable to human senses, but the gas is still around us so how dangerous is radon gas? Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in rocks, soil, and water as a result of thorium and uranium breaking down. Trace amounts of radon are released into the air as those elements break down. Radon can then seep into homes built on natural soil through foundation cracks, slab joints, and the water supply. Minute amounts of radon are mostly harmless to humans, experts say, but long-term exposure can result in dangerous health consequences. The cells lining a person’s lungs can be damaged which exposes them to a greater risk of lung cancer. Approximately 21,000 people die of radon-induced lung cancer every year, which is around 100 times more than those caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. While radon gas exposure could cause other types of cancer, Dr. Alan Mensch, pulmonologist and Senior Vice President, Medical Affairs and Medical Director at Plainview Hospital, has said that except for, “… leukemia, lung cancer is the only malignancy associated with radon exposure.” The odorless, colorless, tasteless nature of radon, along with the years of exposure needed to feel the effects, is precisely what makes radon dangerous, deadly and difficult to prevent. The safest way to know whether your home is affected by high levels of radon is to get your house professionally tested. A Case Study in the Dangers of RadonRachael Malmberg is a former hockey player for the U.S. national women’s hockey team. In April of 2017, she was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer caused by decades of radon gas exposure in her childhood and family home. Malmberg did manage to get treatment and continues targeted therapy to this day. Malmberg has gone on to raise awareness of radon and encourage others to get their home tested to mitigate the effects of radon.
Contact Radon-Rid for Radon Gas Testing and Mitigation How dangerous is radon gas? Once you know, you will understand the value of testing and remediation to protect yourself and your family. Radon-Rid has skilled specialists that are committed to making the homes of Pennsylvania residents safe. We are certified and insured, and have a great deal of experience testing for radon and installing the appropriate radon remediation systems. For information about our services or to schedule a consultation, contact us today. Blog is originally published at: https://www.radonrid.com/how-dangerous-is-radon-gas/ It is republished with permission from author. There is no safe radon level in your home. You have to constantly strive to keep it as low as possible. According to the US EPA, if your radon test reads4 pCi/L or more, you should adopt radon remediation solutions. There are many radon remediation systems to choose from: Soil Depressurization Systems – The different kinds of soil depressurization systems include:
Other radon remediation solutions include sealing and patching, lower level pressurization, heat recovery ventilator and active & passive crawlspace ventilation. All these systems require professional installation and expert intervention. Radon-Rid, LLC provides professional radon testing and radon remediation solutions. Certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Radon-Rid has the required technical knowledge, years of experience and technical skills to provide top-notch services. Call for a free consultation on (610)-624-6928. 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. |
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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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