If you are familiar with radon, how hazardous it is, and don’t know a way to mitigate it, you are in big trouble. Before you take the risk and put yourself and your family in danger, learn about what is the best way to mitigate radon.
In search of a quick solution, you will find plenty of ways discussed on different forums, but not all of them seem to be working when it comes to actual results. We all know the fact that radon has been classified as a human cancer-causing agent by the EPA, and based on that, we cannot afford a risk or a vulnerability.
As you are reading this, here you will be provided with the correct information about what radon is, what causes it to elevate, and above all, what is the best way to mitigate radon.
To save yourself from getting exposed to radon, it is important that you know about it in detail. The more you have the information, the better actions you can take. So, let’s start with what it is and where it comes from.
What is radon, and how is it produced?
Radon is a form of gas that is naturally produced when uranium deteriorates in the soil. The gas itself is not harmful, but the radioactivity that makes it worse and causes lung cancer to humans exposed.
As it is a form of gas, it travels upward from the ground and accumulates in homes and other buildings easily. Once it reaches a certain level, it becomes necessary that you install a mitigation system, or else the suffering will be dreadful.
Other than that, the colorless, odorless, and tasteless characteristics of radon make it impossible to detect without the radon test. Performing a radon test appropriately is the only way to find out about its existence in the air. You should also see how you test for radon in your home and how to test for radon in water because radon also enters through water in your homes.
For this reason, it is suggested that you invest in mitigating radon because you won’t be able to identify its presence until it starts affecting your health.
Ways to mitigate radon
A radon mitigation system will keep the concentration at its lowest level and will provide you with clean air to breathe in. remember that there can be different techniques working best for different homes as each house is made different. It is better if you know how radon enters a home before you look for ways to mitigate it.
Natural ventilation
It might seem a common idea, but it works amazingly when it comes to reducing the radon level inside the building. By making a way to pass air through windows and doors, radon levels can be reduced to a significant level. It doesn’t need any resources, energy, or money. Let the air travel through inside, and you don’t have to worry about radon at all.
However, you should not ignore the security aspect as well. If you don’t have any windows, building one may cost you a lot. Plus, the natural ventilation may not be suitable in winters. Whatever it is, you can go for other methods discussed below.
Forced ventilation
Have you ever heard about a radon fan? Forced ventilation, as the name suggests, uses fans and other similar products to neutralize the pressure and airflow no matter the weather conditions. Air fans can be used to achieve the desired level as you can control and operate it the way you want.
Though it works best without the need of opening windows and doors, the installation cost and then the electricity cost is on you. Thus, this technique works best only if you have a high radon level, and you want immediate action to reduce the level. The HRV system is another alternative of the same kind. Depending on your budget and the requirement, you can go as you like.
Closing the entry points
After you know how radon enters a home, you take action to stop it from the beginning and prevent radon from entering in the first place. Sealing cracks, small areas, holes, and other points help in reducing the level of radon, but it does not guarantee that radon will not pass through. The procedure is hectic, costly, and does not prevent the radon completely.
Install radon mitigation system
This technique works the best and is the best way to mitigate radon. A radon mitigation system consists of different components that help it work in suction and pressurization to reduce the level of radon in the air. While the above methods will help lower radon levels to some extent, installing a radon mitigation system can reduce it to 99%. If you are not sure about its effectiveness, you can see what EPA recommends in its consumer guide to radon reduction.
Things to consider when choosing a way to mitigate radon
It is necessary that you keep the radon level as low as possible, and every method mentioned above works effectively if put in place the right way. Yet, there are a few aspects you ought to see before you go for any of the methods.
Firstly, you should go for a test and see the current situation. Analyze the results and based on that, select the reduction system. Besides that, installation and operation cost are a significant thing to take into consideration before you go for radon mitigation.
Moreover, you also need to see your house size, design, and foundation type. As the radon rises up from the ground, the basement must receive special attention.
Conclusion
Any home can face this problem, and the minute you come to know about it, wasting a second might cost you a lot. It is always to be prepared in advance, and therefore, no matter whether you have ever come across this problem or not, reading this article will provide you with quite valuable information on the best way to mitigate radon. If you think it is useful, consider sharing it with others so others can benefit from it.