Lung cancer is the primary risk of radon exposure but there are other health hazards which include:
Where is Radon Found?
Radon can be found all over the United States but some areas have higher concentration levels then other. Radon is harmless when it is released to the outdoor air, but when it is confined in a building, levels can elevate to the point of causing lung cancer. Radon is more commonly found in a basement or other low levels of your home. If you have a finished basement or spend a considerable amount of time in your basement, then it is important to check for radon.
Should you Perform a Radon Test?
Radon enters a home through various means:
crawl spaces
brick walls
sump pumps
cellars
or any where that the flow of air is allowed to stagnate
Since radon cannot be detected by sight or smell, and the effects are not immediate, having your home tested for radon is important.
Are Radon Tests Expensive?
Home radon test kits are inexpensive (under $15) and are easy to use. It takes just takes a few minutes to set up a radon test kit.
Can You Fix a Radon Problem?
If you have radon in your home, you can lower it's level by a variety of methods including:
sealing cracks in walls and floors
sub-slab depressurization
installing pipes and a fan system
How Much Does it Cost to Reduce Radon in Your Home?
The cost of repairing a radon problem depends on the how your home was built and the levels of radon. A majority of homes can be fixed in a range from $500 to $2500. It is recommended that you hire a contractor who specializes in the field of radon removal. Your home should be tested again after it was fixed to make sure the radon levels have been reduced.