Thursday, September 26, 2013
There are many environmental hazards that people need to be aware of. One of the most challenging to understand is radon. This odorless and colorless gas occurs naturally in many parts of the country. It is emitted from rocks under the ground and released into the atmosphere. Under normal circumstances this is not a problem. However, if significant accumulations in a home it is important to call for the help of radon services right away.
The gas is emitted as ground rock breaks down. This is a totally natural occurrence that is on going and happens everywhere. The level of gas that is released depends on the type of bed rock in each area. This is way some areas of the country are notorious for high readings. It is in these places that home owners and renters should be especially vigilant.
One of the most dangerous features of the gas is that it has been linked to many cases of cancer. Long term exposure to even low levels of the gas can cause otherwise healthy people with low risk factors to develop lung cancer. With this in mind it is very important to have the testing done by a well qualified local technician.
In most cases a mechanical ventilation system needs to be installed. This will remove air from the basement and allow any gas build up to be safely removed. The most basis systems are very effective and quite cost efficient. As the air is pumped out, clean fresh outside air is pumped in, however this can lead to additional problems with moisture.
Test kits are now also available in many hardware stores. They are quite reasonably priced and give accurate readings. By following the simple instructions the home owner can get a pretty good idea of how high the gas levels are in their home. Even if the reading is low, the test should be repeated every six month to a year as levels can change over time.
Even those who live in newly constructed high rise buildings are still in danger from radon gas. It is often found in common building materials, such as concrete and dry wall. The mitigation process for these buildings is quite different from that used in single family homes. It can be more complex and costly. In these cases the home owners association may need to be involved to work out a collective solution that works for everyone.
Before hiring a contractor to install a system it is very important to ensure that they have all the necessary experience and also state certification. Each state has its own set of requirements and the home owner or renter should be very aware that they and their families health can depend on working with the right person.
All home owners and tenants should take the time to educate themselves about the serious dangers of radon gas. Although it is a natural substance it can also be very dangerous to humans. Every home should be tested by professional radon services to ensure that the gas is always kept at a safe level.
The gas is emitted as ground rock breaks down. This is a totally natural occurrence that is on going and happens everywhere. The level of gas that is released depends on the type of bed rock in each area. This is way some areas of the country are notorious for high readings. It is in these places that home owners and renters should be especially vigilant.
One of the most dangerous features of the gas is that it has been linked to many cases of cancer. Long term exposure to even low levels of the gas can cause otherwise healthy people with low risk factors to develop lung cancer. With this in mind it is very important to have the testing done by a well qualified local technician.
In most cases a mechanical ventilation system needs to be installed. This will remove air from the basement and allow any gas build up to be safely removed. The most basis systems are very effective and quite cost efficient. As the air is pumped out, clean fresh outside air is pumped in, however this can lead to additional problems with moisture.
Test kits are now also available in many hardware stores. They are quite reasonably priced and give accurate readings. By following the simple instructions the home owner can get a pretty good idea of how high the gas levels are in their home. Even if the reading is low, the test should be repeated every six month to a year as levels can change over time.
Even those who live in newly constructed high rise buildings are still in danger from radon gas. It is often found in common building materials, such as concrete and dry wall. The mitigation process for these buildings is quite different from that used in single family homes. It can be more complex and costly. In these cases the home owners association may need to be involved to work out a collective solution that works for everyone.
Before hiring a contractor to install a system it is very important to ensure that they have all the necessary experience and also state certification. Each state has its own set of requirements and the home owner or renter should be very aware that they and their families health can depend on working with the right person.
All home owners and tenants should take the time to educate themselves about the serious dangers of radon gas. Although it is a natural substance it can also be very dangerous to humans. Every home should be tested by professional radon services to ensure that the gas is always kept at a safe level.
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