Is Radon Well in an Older House?

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that naturally breaks down uranium in the soil, rock and groundwater. It can become dangerous when it enters buildings and concentrates indoors. It is a known cause of lung cancer in smokers, but can affect non-smokers as well. The EPA recommends that all homes should be tested for radon. The only way to know whether your home is safe is by testing for it.

It is widely believed that older houses are more likely to have high radon levels than newer ones. However, it is important to test every home regardless of its age. In addition, it is recommended that you test your home at least twice a year, especially after making energy improvements that can increase the amount of time you spend inside the house.

In reality, all types of houses can have radon issues, including newer homes, drafty homes and well-insulated homes. The construction materials and the way the house is built can affect radon levels as much as the ventilation system, heating and venting.

The majority of radon gets into buildings radonbrønn i eldre hus from the soil underneath. It rises through the ground and enters through cracks in floors, walls and foundations. The pressure of the ground is usually lower than the air pressure inside a building, which forces the radon through the cracks and into the structure.

Other sources of radon can include contaminated well water and certain building materials. However, these are less common.

Typically, the radon concentration is higher in basements and lower floors of the house. However, radon can also be found in attics, crawl spaces and above-ground living areas.

According to the CDC, it is estimated that radon contributes to thousands of preventable lung cancer deaths each year in the United States. The most significant risk comes from long term exposure. Radon can also pose health risks to pets and children.

The most accurate method of detecting radon is through a long term test. The EPA suggests that the best time of year to perform this test is in the winter, when indoor temperatures are typically lower. A short term test can also be used, but it is more prone to errors.

If the radon level is above 4 pCi/L, it is recommended that you contact a certified mitigation specialist to determine the appropriate course of action. There are a variety of techniques available to reduce radon levels, and they can be relatively inexpensive. A typical mitigation system involves placing perforated PVC pipes beneath the basement and crawl space floors. A fan is then connected to these pipes and the gases are vented out past the foundation of the house. Some systems may require more complex installation than others, but most are fairly simple.