Tips to Reduce Radon Levels in The Home
Posted in Air Quality, on October 16, 2020
Many homes in Southern Ontario have elevated radon levels, and the best way to tell if your home is affected is to have professional radon testing performed. Radon is a colourless, scentless radioactive gas that forms deep in the earth’s crust. It is often found inside residential and commercial properties with basements, which inadvertently act like a magnet for the gas as it makes its way to the surface. Next to cigarette smoke, radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer in North America, and a home radon test is the only way to know if you’re at risk.
Top 4 Tips for Reducing Radon
The good news is that small changes can make a big difference when it comes to reducing radon gas indoors.
Ventilate
Ensuring that the lower levels of your home have adequate ventilation can help reduce radon buildup. Basements and crawl spaces are the most common places radon collects, so having a fan blowing to the outside or installing a permanent ventilation fan can make a big difference.
Reduce Depressurization
Low indoor air pressure is known to draw more radon from the soil, so keeping your air pressure balanced can help keep radon out. Wood stoves and fireplaces are one of the most common ways homes lose air pressure, but wind, weather, and temperature can also affect it.
Seal Cracks
Cracks and gaps in the foundation are one of the ways that radon gas enters your home from the ground. Sealing these breaks with caulking or epoxy will force some of the radon to go around your home and dissipate - harmlessly - into the atmosphere.
Test for Radon
Good ventilation, steady air pressure and sealed cracks are a great general way to keep your home healthy and happy even if there’s no radon present. But doing that in lieu of radon testing just isn’t enough. Your best ally in the fight against radon gas is professional home radon testing - it will tell you exactly what sort of risk you might face and steer you towards the right mitigation strategy.
Work With SafeAir to Reduce Radon Gas
Homes that are seriously affected by radon gas may need special mitigation systems that attract and move radon out of your home, but the only way to truly know what you need is to have a radon test. The effects of radon exposure don’t become known for years after exposure, making it dangerous for every member for your family - particularly children. While DIY radon testing kits are on the market, a professional radon test guarantees you access to our years of expertise and testing experience. We’ll ensure the test is situated in the best place to reduce false positives and mistaken readings (which are common with DIY tests), and help you accurately interpret the results. For more information on home radon testing in Toronto and the GTA, get in touch with us at 416-414-5690.
More Information on Radon: