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A radon mitigation system is used to reduce radon levels in your home; however, it will not work instantly. There are different factors to consider when trying to determine how long it will take for your radon mitigation system to work in your home. Standard systems are effective within 24 hours of installation, but in order to get an accurate reading, it's best if you wait for at least 72 hours before starting a new radon measurement. What is Radon Mitigation? Radon mitigation is the procedure of reducing risk associated with radon gas by extracting the radon gas straight from the ground underneath your home, which results in greatly reducing the radon concentration. This gas is colorless and doesn't have a smell, so it's impossible to know how much radon is present through the use of your human senses alone. Since radon gas is one of the leading causes of lung cancer, it is essential to get it checked once in a while. There are many ways to test radon levels, including getting an assessment with a certified Radon Contractor who will take readings throughout your home. If you don't want to consult a certified expert, you can always do the radon testing yourself. How Long Does It Take To Work?The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the type of system installed and the level of radon in your home prior to installation. Generally speaking, however, it can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks for a radon mitigation system to work effectively. If you have a passive system, it may take longer to see results as the system relies on natural airflow and pressure differential to draw out the radon gas. An active system, on the other hand, uses fans to force air through the system and out of your home, so you will most likely see results quicker. Of course, the level of radon in your home will also play a role in how long it takes for the mitigation system to work. If you have a very high level of radon, it may take longer to see a significant reduction. However, even if it takes a little bit longer, a mitigation system will eventually bring the level of radon down to a safe/low level. If you're concerned about the amount of time it is taking for your mitigation system to work, the best thing to do is to contact a professional. They can test your home's radon levels. They can also inspect your radon mitigation system for any deficiencies and then let you know if the system is working as it should. Radon mitigation systems reduce radon levels in the air by pulling radon gas up from the ground below basement or crawl space through pipes and into the fresh air outside your home. The typical radon mitigation system will begin lowering levels within 24 hours and continue as long as the fan runs. These systems may also help lower basement humidity by redirecting the moisture from the ground and expelling it to the outside along with the radon gas. Factors That Influence the Speed of Radon RemovalIn an ideal scenario, removing radon from the home would begin hours after testing is complete and the appropriate mitigation equipment is installed. That isn't always the case, though. Radon mitigation might be delayed due to a few independent factors: Type of Radon TestQuick tests can only be conducted at your house for a few days. If you choose to use a radon monitor to perform a quick test, you can get an instantaneous reading of the radon concentration in your home during that period. Long-term testing, which assesses radon levels yearly, can be time-consuming because they take months to complete. The Age and Size of The HomeOlder homes with many cracks and crevices can have higher infiltration rates These cracks and crevices may be in places where people cannot see and/or access, thus making it harder for mitigators to find all areas where the gas can enter. Previous Attempts at Mitigating Radon Levels in The HomeSometimes, if a previous attempt has not been successful, there will be a small improvement over time. For example, if just sealing off some cracks does not stop gas from seeping through other cracks in the same foundation, installing an active sub-slab depressurization system would be a viable solution. Alternatively, placing the room, in which the cracks are located, under constant positive pressure will work as well. External Radon SourcesIf radon comes from a location other than your house, such as water flowing through the ground into wells, installing a mitigation system within said well would be beneficial. Mitigation System TypeMost radon mitigation systems are designed to be set up in a day. More powerful mitigation systems, or more complex systems, may take longer to set up. In addition, even when the system is installed correctly, homeowners should still regularly monitor their radon levels because they could fluctuate depending on external conditions like soil composition, any nearby construction, abnormal weather patterns, or changes in pressure differentials.  How Soon After Mitigation Can You Retest For Radon?Once the radon mitigation system is installed, it is wise to keep testing. At the very least, you should allow twenty-four hours for the radon levels in your home to decrease after installing a new system. The retest must be completed no more than thirty days after the installation. Generally, if the radon level falls below 4 pCi/L (or 200 Bq/m^3 if you are in Canada), there is little need to retest. However, suppose the reading remains above 4 pCi/L (or 148 Bq/m^3). In that scenario, you will need to hire an expert contractor who can determine what additional steps need to be taken before resuming any form of indoor activity, such as construction or using utilities. FAQsHow Much Does Radon Mitigation Process Cost?The price depends on many factors, mainly the region and state where you live. The cost of radon reduction ranges typically from $750 to $2,500, but the price might go as high as $7,000 for a big home or property with many foundations. How Do You Know If The System Is Working? If you want to check the functionality of your radon mitigation system, use the u-tube manometer. Observe the contents of the tube. There is no internal pipe pressure if the readings are identical on both ends. If the fan isn't pulling the air in, your radon mitigation system isn't functioning. Are Radon Mitigation Systems Effective 100% Of the Time? The EPA has found that they have a 99% success rate in certain situations. If you've had radon mitigation done in your house, but if the readings remain high, or roughly at around 4 pCi/L (or 148 Bq/m^3), you chose the wrong radon contractor. This amount of radon in a home is a trigger point. In that case, we suggest you consult a different, certified contractor.
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Radon is a radioactive, natural gas that is colorless, tasteless, and odorless. It is formed in rocks and soil when small amounts of uranium begin to decay. Owing to heat and air pressure, it rises up into the air as particles. It has 136 neutrons. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the element radon, and its neutrons. A Breakdown of Radon Radon is one of the most common radioactive gasses because it can be found in soil and rock all over the planet. It is otherwise known as radioactive decay, and it stems from radium. Radon is a type of noble gas that is formed in soil when radium begins to decay. Some landscapes are more prone to radon particles in the air, and those living in homes where radon levels are on the higher end of the scale have to be mindful of regular testing and therefore take various measures to control the exposure to ensure it doesn’t put their health at risk. Radon on the Periodic Table
Basic Information About Radon
What are Neutrons?A neutron is a type of particle found in the nucleus of every atom, with the exception of simple hydrogen. A neutron has no electrical charge, so it is considered ‘neutral’ - hence the name. It differs from a proton because it has a greater mass and is denser. Is Radon Dangerous?Radon is a radioactive gas, which, in large doses, can be extremely harmful (and sometimes fatal) to humans. Radon is fine in small doses. Because it is found in both rock and soil, which makes up inhabitable human land, there’s no way to avoid it entirely. However, when radon levels become too high, they can cause damage to our lungs that may eventually result in lung cancer. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon Levels - When Should We Be Concerned?Radon is measured differently depending on where in the world you live, meaning danger levels depending on what country you’re in.
If so, you may need to conduct more regular household tests to ensure your safety. How are We Exposed to Radon?As radon is a radioactive gas that is emitted from rock and soil, it rises up into our homes and workplaces, and we breathe it in without realizing it. Once the decomposed molecules of radon enter our lungs, they continue to decay, which further releases more radiation, which is now directly in our systems. However, to be clear, while most of us breathe radon every day, this doesn’t necessarily mean we are in harm’s way. This is the importance of testing. How to Test for RadonThe good news is testing for radon in your property is easy and inexpensive.  You can either hire a professional company to do this for you (which will be the more costly option of the two) or purchase a short-term or long-term DIY test kit and test your home yourself. Short-Term Radon Test KitShort-term radon test kits are designed for those who would like to check the radon levels in their space quickly. Please note, however, the minimum amount of time a short-term radon test kit can be performed is 2-10 days, depending on the radon detector you use. If your home or workplace has a basement, the best place to put your radon detector is in the crawl space above your basement. Long-Term Radon Test KitA long-term, DIY radon test kit will need to be performed for 90 days or longer. This is a useful option because radon levels fluctuate all the time, so a longer test period will allow you to monitor those fluctuations better. As with the short-term test kit, the best place to put the detector is in the crawl space above your basement. If you don’t have a basement, however, the ground floor is a good choice. For those in high-story apartment blocks, you can opt to place the detector in your kitchen, bedroom, or living room. This way, you will be able to see if the radon levels are reaching you. Both the short-term and long-term test kits are environmentally-friendly, deployed all over the world, and the results are analyzed by a highly-accredited lab. There are no hidden fees, and the turnaround time for results is much quicker than that of store-bought DIY radon tests. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)How can I keep myself safe from radon?Non-smokers are in a better position to radon exposure than smokers, as their lungs are less damaged, so not smoking is a good place to start. If you live in high-radon areas, you can install a radon mitigation system in your home to regulate the levels in your home. Keeping your space well-ventilated is also a good way to lessen your exposure. How does radon enter my home?Radon enters through openings in the floor, such as cracks, gaps around pipes, floor drains, wall cavities, and so on, and rises upwards. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, so while we may not know it is there, we may still be breathing it in. What is the science behind radon?Radon is one of the chemical elements with the "Rn" symbol. It is arguably the most common chemical element because its decay chain occurs within soil.
There are 37 stable isotopes, and it belongs to the radium and uranium decay chain. Some professionals may refer to radon gas as alpha decay, which is a type of radioactive decay that involves an atomic nucleus which emits alpha particles, otherwise known as helium nucleus. The most stable isotope of radon gas is 222Rn, which has a half life of 3.832 days. It is a zero valence noble gas, and despite being a radioactive gas, it isn't very chemically reactive. Radon gas is probably the last thing on your mind when you think about your home. After all, it's not something you can see, smell or taste, so it's easy to forget that it's even there. But radon gas is a real threat to your family's health, and it's important to take the necessary steps to mitigate it. As the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, radon gas is estimated to cause about 21,000 deaths each year in the United States. That's why it's so important to protect you and your family by having a radon gas mitigation system in place, in your home. But with so many different types of mitigation systems on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for your home. Here's a quick guide to the best radon gas mitigation systems for your home, so you can keep your family safe from this invisible threat. What Is a Radon Gas Mitigation System?By now, you've probably realized how big of a threat radon gas can be and that a radon gas mitigation system is a must in any home. But what, exactly, is a radon gas mitigation system?  A radon gas mitigation system is designed to remove radon gas from your home and keep it at safe levels. Technically it won't remove the radon from your indoor. Technically it extracts the radon from the ground, which results in a significant decrease in indoor radon concentrations since radon comes from the ground. There are a few different types of systems, but they all work to achieve the same goal: reduce the amount of radon gas in your home. There are different types of systems because there are different methods one can use to mitigate radon. Radon gas mitigation systems work by either drawing air from your home and venting it outside, sealing radon out from your home, or by extracting the radon from the source, AKA the ground. This process helps to keep the levels of radon gas in your home at a safe level, so you and your family can breathe easy. The Best Radon Gas Mitigation Systems for Your HomeNow that you know a little bit more about radon gas mitigation systems, let's take a look at the best ones for your home. Active Sub-slab Depressurization (ASSD)Active sub-slab depressurization is one of the most effective radon gas mitigation systems on the market. Also known as sub-slab depressurization, this system works by drawing air from beneath your home's foundation and venting it to the outside. This system is most effective in homes with a poured concrete foundation. Even if the basement is completely finished, ASSD will still work effectively. One or multiple suction pipes are installed in the basement after coring a hole through the concrete slab. They are then connected to a radon fan that draws air from beneath the foundation before venting to the outside. This process helps to keep the levels of radon gas in your home at a safe level. ASSD systems are extremely effective - the most effective type of system that exists currently. Regarding the cost, when comparing it to a furnace or HRV, it is significantly cheaper. Passive Sub-Slab Depressurization (PSD)Passive sub-slab depressurization is similar to ASSD, but doesn't require a vent fan. Instead, this system relies on the natural pressure differential between the indoor and outdoor air to draw air from beneath the foundation and vent it to the outside. PSSD systems are associated with radon-resistant construction techniques, which are designed to prevent radon gas from entering your home in the first place. These construction techniques can be used in new construction settings or during a home renovation. PSSD systems are effective, though not as effective as ASSD systems. They're also less expensive to install and require very little to no maintenance. Soil SuctionSoil suction is a type of radon gas mitigation system that's typically used in homes with crawlspaces. This system works by drawing air from the crawlspace and venting it outside. One or multiple suction pipes are installed in the crawlspace and are connected to a radon vent fan that draws air from the crawlspace and vents it to the outside. This process helps to keep the levels of radon gas in your home at a safe level. Soil suction systems have proven to be very effective at reducing radon levels in homes, especially when they are combined with a membrane sealed overtop of the soil and/or rock. They can be trickier to install compared to an ASSD system. Block Wall SuctionBlock wall suction is similar to soil suction, but it's typically used in homes with block walls instead of crawlspaces. This system works by drawing air from the spaces between the block wall and the foundation and venting it to the outside. Basement homes that have hollow block foundation walls can benefit from this type of system. By utilizing a fan and ductwork, this system draws air from the block walls and then vents the radon gas to the outside, helping to keep the concentration levels of radon gas in your home below the guideline. Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV)Older homes that don't have good ventilation can benefit from a heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system. This type of system helps to improve the air quality in your home by drawing fresh air in from outside while simultaneously exhausting stale indoor air to the outside.  HRV systems are typically used in homes that are built so air tight that they require a mechanical means of ventilation. These systems are also used as solutions in homes that have other indoor air quality issues, such as mold or radon. As mentioned earlier, HRV systems work by drawing fresh air from the outside and exhausting stale, indoor air. The fresh air is drawn through a heat exchanger, which helps to cool or heat the air before it enters your home. This process helps to not only improve the air quality in your home, but it can also help to reduce your energy bills. Wrapping UpNo one wants to be exposed to radon gas, but unfortunately it's presence in homes is a concern worth addressing.
Luckily, there are a variety of effective radon gas mitigation systems that can help to keep your family safe. The 5 systems described above are some of the most popular and effective systems on the market. If you live in Ontario and you are someone in need of a radon mitigation system, contact Simon Air Quality. They would be happy to help you. They are C-NRPP certified with years of experience removing radon from buildings all over Ontario. Chance to know what?
Your chance to find out just how much radioactive gas is lurking inside your home. Because no matter where you live, radon gas will live there too. There is no way to be 100% free of it. So the question becomes... "Okay, well then how much of it am I living with in my house?" And maybe a second question would be... "Well how much of this radioactive gas can I handle before it starts to harm me?" Before we answer those questions however, we first need to tell you about Susan and Ashley - two middle aged, married women with families. You see both of them have something in common. Something unfortunate for them, but an eye opener for everyone else. A tragedy for these two individuals and their families, yet a new revelation and appreciation for those who learned from it. These two otherwise healthy individuals with no bad habits, like smoking for example, were diagnosed with lung cancer. It grew and spread throughout their whole body. The battle was long and rough, but the cancer was too strong and they both passed away as a result. The coincidence you see, was that each one lived in a house (2 very different houses), which both got tested for radon following their passing. It was revealed that, at the time, both houses contained incredibly high radon concentrations - over 10,000 Bq/m3 or roughly 271 pCi/L. Again, they were otherwise healthy people who didn't smoke a day in their lives, but yet they died because a radioactive gas, that we cannot see, touch, hear or feel, gave them aggressive cancer. So if you don't know what radon is or if you have never heard of it before, this is your chance to learn more about it. Our DIY Radon Test Kit includes information about where radon gas comes from, what you can do to protect yourself from its harmful effects and much, much more. No one is exempt or invincible when it comes to radon, but... At least we have the right tools and equipment available to us that can measure radon gas. And the right equipment to mitigate the risk associated with radon right down to a point where it becomes no concern to our health. So if you measure the amount of radon in your home and it's discovered that you have less than favorable results, it's okay. We can provide you with the resources, knowledge, references, and contacts necessary for you to tackle your radon issue and eliminate its risk permanently. That's right, permanently! Never again will you have to address radon concerns after that. Unless of course you move to a different location. Get this radon measurement kit one time. Measure your house one time. If needed, mitigate your house one time. Tell all your friends and family about your adventure. Live a life free of lung cancer because you proactively addressed radon using the #1 radon test kit available. They say knowledge is power, but that's not 100% accurate is it? Knowledge coupled with taking action is true power. So seize the power. This is your chance. Order a radon test kit today. You will be happy you did. Radon gas is a silent killer - one of those things that can be in your home or office, but you may not know about it until it does the damage. The affects can be very severe - according to various health authorities, radon is the biggest cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. If you have recently built or moved into any building, it's imperative to check for radon. To do that, you'll need a radon test kit. This article discusses what radon test kits are, when they are used and how to use them. IntroductionA radon test kit is a device used to measure the amount of radon gas in the indoor air. You set it up, allow it to detect radon gas for a predetermined amount of time, and then mail it to a certified lab capable of analyzing it. The lab will conduct a test and return the results to you via mail or email.  If you do a short-term radon measurement and detect high levels, it's recommended you do a long-term measurement afterwards to confirm. If you get the same/similar results the second time, it's time to take action. Why Do You Need to Test for Radon?The World Health Organization identifies radon as a carcinogenic agent that can cause lung cancer. About 25,000 and 3,000 people die from radon annually in the United States and Canada respectively. While harmful, radon has no flavor, odor, or color; therefore, you'll need to do a special test to detect the presence of this gas. Now remember, radon has been found in every part of the world and can build up in any building, anywhere. So, radon testing is something you can't afford to miss, for your family's safety. Types of Radon Test KitThere are two types of radon testing kits. Let's explore them. Short-Term KitA short-term test will take anywhere between 2 and 90 days. The type of short-term radon test kit we provide takes at least 10 days. It's mostly used as a screening test to determine if a long-term measurement is required; however, sometimes people cannot wait 90 days to receive a final test result. For example, realtors have a timeline to follow and are often pressured to get a list of tasks done before the closing date. They absolutely cannot wait 90+ days to receive results, so they depend on the results that come from performing a short-term radon test. Long-Term Kit A long-term test kit measures the radon levels in an area for at least 90 days and up to a year. It is more accurate than a short-term test because it exposed to a greater sample size of radon gas; therefore, organizations like Health Canada, for example, only recognize the results derived from a test like this. On the other hand, the E.P.A. will recognize both short-term and long-term results. Which Kit Should I Use?Well, you should first conduct a short-term test to get a rough idea about the radon levels in your house. If the concentration is really high, then you should install a radon reduction system right away. If the short-term test results are just under or just above the guideline, then it would be a good idea to then perform a long-term radon measurement. You can also conduct a radon measurement - either short-term or long-term - after a radon mitigation system has been installed in your house so that you know it is working effectively. Can I Do My Radon Testing?Of course you can conduct a radon test on your own. You do not have to be licensed or certified to do so; however, since there are many steps and possibilities of committing an error, you may better be off calling a radon measurement professional if you want to make sure it's done right.  Also, depending on where you live, you may need to hire a professional to do radon testing for real estate transactions. Be careful about this - look into this prior to the start of any test. How To Conduct a Radon TestThis depends on the type of kit you have bought. You'll need to look at the user's guide and follow the instructions accordingly. Most testing kits consist of a radon detector, a form, instructions, some literature on radon, and return mailing packaging to ship off the sample. You place the detector in the basement and leave it for a minimum of 48 hours or longer, depending on the type of test. Finally, you send the sample to the lab and get the results. You will receive the results by mail, email, or both. Where Can I Get a Radon Test Kit?Radon testing kits can be purchased from local hospitals and stores. If you live in the USA, you can buy them from your state's national radon program services website. Some tests require additional testing fees to be paid before the kits are mailed to the lab. In addition, you can buy discounted test kits from our website for more convenience. We deliver everywhere in the USA, Canada, and soon to be all over the world. ​Ways To Make A Radon Test More EffectiveHere are some steps you can follow to get a more accurate reading of your home's radon level, especially if you plan on doing a short-term radon test:
More FAQs Related to Radon Test KitsHere are some more frequently asked questions about radon test kits... Are Radon Test Kits and Monitors the Same?No, test kits are not the same as continuous radon monitors. Continuous monitoring devices are more expensive and are generally used by professionals (although consumers are free to use them as well) to test the average radon level in the house. While accurate, they may be a luxury you don't need. What Is a Passive Radon Detector?You may often hear the phrase 'passive radon detector' when looking for a test kit. Don't be confused. It's just another name given to a detector in a radon testing kit that doesn't use electricity. What to Do if I Find Radon Gas in My House?The Environmental Protection Agency and Health Canada recommend installing a radon reduction system if you discover a high concentration of radon in your home. A high concentration would be considered any concentration above the guideline you choose to follow.
Studies show that nearly 1 out of every 15 houses in the US and 6.9 % of houses in Canada have elevated radon levels. This radioactive gas is fairly common worldwide, with 56 nations already responding to the W.H.O. radon survey. Many people know that radon causes lung cancer but don’t know its source. If that’s the case for you as well, this article sheds light on everything you need to know about the origin of radon gas, including what it is, where it comes from, how it causes cancer, and other related FAQs. What Is Radon Gas?Radon is a radioactive gas produced by the decay of uranium, thorium, or radium in soil, rocks, and underground water. As you can see, all the particles that can create radon are naturally occurring and can be found everywhere in the world, making this gas very common.  Radon doesn't have any particular taste, feel, or smell. You'll need to do a special test to find its concentration in your home or office. Furthermore, radon can also exist outdoors, even if the concentrations aren’t as high as inside a building. |