Home Safety Tips: 6 Steps to Test for Radon Gas in Your Home
Melanie Broemsen Radon gas. It's colorless. It's odorless. It's even tasteless. And it's the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. That translates into 21,000 people dying from the effects of this natural radioactive gas each year. The EPA also reports about one out of every 15 homes in the U.S. has elevated levels of radon gas. Radon is a gas that forms naturally as uranium breaks down in soil and seeps into your home through dirt floors, cracks in the foundation floor and walls, and even the openings around floor drains and pipes. Fortunately, radon gas testing in your home is simple and fast. Here's a two-minute review of how to promote safety in the home by performing radon gas testing. Home Safety Tips: Radon Gas Testing Steps - Know the basics. Radon gas is present in all parts of the country. Even if you live in a state that has low levels of this gas, your home can still contain unsafe amounts. Visit the EPA Web site to find out if you live in a high-risk area.
- Decide which test to take. Radon gas tests come in short-term and long-term versions. For a snapshot of your radon levels, consider a short-term test, which takes just a few days to perform. A long-term test, which takes up to 90 days, can give you a better indication of your year-round radon levels.
- Purchase a radon gas testing kit. The tests can cost as little as $5.95. You can buy them in stores, online or at a discounted rate from the National Safety Council. (Click on your state to find out how or call 1-800-SOS-RADON.)
- Test your home for radon gas. For the best results, you should test the lowest level of your home that people spend time in, and you should keep doors and windows closed as much as possible. (Airflow from air conditioners and heaters does not affect the test.)
- Interpret the results. If your radon levels come back as high -- four units (called "picocuries") per liter of air -- you should test again to verify your results. You can average the two results. If the radon level average is lower, but close, to four units, you will want to solve the problem quickly, since any detection of radon is considered unsafe.
- Solve the problem. If your home scored high on the second test, you'll need to work with a contractor to find a way to prevent radon from getting into your home. The most common solution for a radon gas problem is a vent pipe system and fan. The average cost of this repair is $1,200, but it can range from $800 to $2,500. Find help choosing a contractor from A Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction from the EPA.
Radon gas testing should be performed in every home, because it's the only way to know for certain if the gas is present. For more information on radon gas, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Visit Nationwide.com for more home safety tips and property insurance resources. About the Author
Melanie is a professional writer with more than 15 years of experience in crafting pieces for public relations and marketing, including feature and technical materials for both traditional and online media. Click here to view more articles by Melanie Broemsen. Reprinted with Permission from IdeaMarketers.com
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