Radon gas is a colorless, odorless gas that can be found in many homes and buildings. It is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can be harmful to humans when inhaled in large quantities. Long-term exposure to radon gas has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, making it important to identify and mitigate radon gas in your home. Here are four times that you should have radon gas testing:
Recent Construction
If you have recently completed construction on your home, you should consider having radon gas testing done. This is because construction can disrupt the soil around your home, which can release radon gas into your home. Even if your home was previously tested for radon gas, it is important to retest after any major renovations or construction to ensure that your home remains safe.
Health Problems
If you or someone in your family has been experiencing unexplained health problems such as persistent coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain, it is possible that radon gas could be the cause. These symptoms can be an indication of lung cancer, which can be caused by long-term exposure to radon gas. While many factors can contribute to these health problems, radon gas testing can help identify whether radon gas is present in your home and contributing to the problem.
High Radon Levels in Your Area
If you live in an area with a high concentration of radon gas, it is important to have radon gas testing done regularly. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that all homes be tested for radon gas at least once every two years, but homes in high-risk areas may need to be tested more frequently.
Increased Home Energy Efficiency
If you have recently made upgrades to your home to improve energy efficiency, such as sealing cracks and gaps or adding insulation, you may be inadvertently trapping radon gas in your home. While these upgrades are important for reducing energy costs and improving indoor air quality, they can also contribute to higher levels of radon gas in your home. Radon gas testing can help identify whether your home is at risk.
Radon gas is a serious health risk that can be found in many homes and buildings. If you have recently completed renovations or construction, are experiencing unexplained health problems, live in an area with a high concentration of radon gas, or have made upgrades to your home to improve energy efficiency, it is important to have radon gas testing done. Identifying and mitigating radon gas in your home is an important step in ensuring the health and safety of your family.
Share