Radon is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that, according to EPA, is present in the environment – indoors and outside. It is a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer over time. At A B Home Inspections, Inc., we offer Radon Testing as an additional service to our list of home inspection services in Birmingham. Here is what you need to know about radon, its danger, how to test for radon, and how to reduce radon levels in your home.
Radon is a radioactive, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can be in the air you breathe and enter your home through cracks, gaps, and other holes in the foundation.
Radon is a health hazard and is considered the second leading cause of lung cancer, next to cigarette smoking. Since it is colorless and odorless, it’s hard to detect until a radon test is done. Radon is called a silent killer. Many homeowners have no idea how toxic this gas is. The studies show a correlation between breathing high radon concentrations and lung cancer. Smokers are more susceptible to lung cancer due to the synergistic effects of both radon inhalation and smoking. A person who never smoked but is exposed to 1.3 pCi/L has a 2 in 1000 chance of lung cancer, while a smoker has a 20 in 1,000 chance of dying from this disease.
Radon also produces radioactive decay products called radon daughters or radon progeny. These decay products are robust and stick to surfaces as dust particles that can easily be inhaled. Inhalation of contaminated dust can also cause lung cancer.
You can’t see or smell radon. Testing is the only way to know your levels. Radon poisoning may be one of the reasons why your house could be making you sick.
Radon gas can seep through cracks and other holes in the foundation, pores in concrete, and gaps in walls and floors. Common ways for radon to enter your home are as follows:
EPA highly recommends that you hire a professional to conduct the radon test, and you can Call Us At (205) 835-0539 For Your Radon Testing In Birmingham, AL Today!
The EPA also recommends that you should “consider taking action” when the radon level exceeds 1.9 pCi/L. Radon levels between 2.0 pCi/L and 4.0 pCi/l also carry some risk over long-term exposure. Lowering the radon level reduces the risk of lung cancer.
Any radon levels over the EPA-established 4.0 pCi/L are recommended to take corrective measures, i.e., installing radon mitigation which reduces the radon gas concentrations in the home. Just because the house has elevated radon levels doesn’t mean it’s a bad home; it just means the radon needs to be managed and reduced to acceptable levels with mitigation.
Radon is a health risk, and the only way to know if the home has elevated levels of radon gas is to have a test done. So take action and test.
Home Buyer Inspection
Seller’s Pre-Listing Inspection
Commercial Inspection
New Construction Inspection
1-Year Builder Warranty Inspection
Radon Inspection
Mold Inspection
Infrared Thermography Inspection
Insulation Inspection
Plumbing Inspection
Roofing Inspection
Electrical Inspection
A B Home Inspections, Inc. | Let this experienced Birmingham AL Home Inspection company help keep you from buying The Money Pit. We’ll alert you to the health or safety issues and maintenance needs of the home you’re looking to buy.
A B Home Inspections, Inc. will be your home buying or selling advocate! We are committed to providing you with outstanding service. We’re highly experienced and extremely thorough yet have excellent communication skills to put the entire house into perspective for you. If you’re looking to buy or sell in Birmingham AL, and nearby areas, we can help!
Owned and operated by the Professional Licensed Home Inspector, Jim Waddell, Chief Inspector, A B Home Inspections, Inc. takes pride in its commitment to following high standards and providing professional service to all of our customers.
