Radon is a radioactive gas which is colorless, odorless and tasteless. It is found everywhere in the United States and can be in any home, seeping into your home from the soil underneath. It can find its way into a house from any gap, crack or crevice available. Occasionally radon can be found in building materials and ground water as well.
Radon is extremely dangerous and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Thousands of people die each year from the cancer caused by the radon they were unknowingly breathing in their home.
Any home can have a radon problem, even newly constructed homes or homes without basements. That is why having a radon test is so important. It is the only way you will ever know if your home could be dangerous to you and your family’s health.
Radon Testing in Chicago and across the country is common. Tens of thousands of people have their homes tested every year. Many banks and loan officers require Radon Testing as part of a home inspection during the sale of a home. The tests are inexpensive and quick with professional services located all across the country. There are kits you can buy to test for radon yourself, but expert results are often more reliable.
If radon is found in your home, there are some things you can do to improve the situation. Sealing up gaps and cracks is a beneficial process and installing a fan system to pull radon tainted air out of your basement can also prove to be helpful. Professional assistance may be required if your home was found to have a substantial radon level.
If testing does show positive for a small amount of radon in your home, you should regularly test the levels each year to ensure that your mitigation methods have proven successful.
If you are building a new home there are innovative new techniques available for making your construction more resistant to radon. These methods are most effective when applied by a qualified professional. Even with these methods, it is still important for occasional Radon Testing in Chicago to ensure the safety of everyone in your home.
