Every homeowner takes steps to ensure their home is as safe as possible. While some dangers are evident, others can go undetected. Radon, for example, is a radioactive gas that is found naturally in the environment.
But the air pressure in your home is lower than in the soil and this difference draws different gases from the soil into your house, such as radon. It enters by coming through cracks, pipes, windows, and the foundation of your house.
Radon is a danger when a person is exposed to it in high amounts. In fact, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in Canada among non-smokers. The risk of cancer depends on the level of radon in the home nad how long a person has been exposed.
How can it be detected?
The current Health Canada guideline for radon levels in homes is 200 Becquerels per cubic meter. Radon gas levels testing can be done with a do-it-yourself kit at home, but that can be complicated. A certified radon gas professional, such as those at Mr. Plumber, can help you test the levels in your home.
Because of the dangers associated with radon, getting the testing done right is important. The professional will set up a long-term test in an optimal location and then the results will be set to a lab to be tested.
What can you do if you find high levels?
If our certified radon gas professional does find high levels in your home, there are a number of ways we can mitigate the issue.
This includes:
- Ventilating the basement sub-flooring by installing a fan to draw out the radon before it enters you home
- Increase the ventilation in your home
