One of the more recently discovered threats to human health in the home is radon gas, but, fortunately, there are many different radon tests on the market today. Radon is a heavy gas that released during the decay process of the element Radium. As its name suggests, it is substance that has very high levels of radioactivity. High levels of the substance in a home can cause lung cancer, because every time the gas is taken into the lungs, the lungs are bombarded with radioactive energy. Soon, malignant tumors will begin to form within the lungs.
When a homeowner desires to test his or her home for radon, there are several options available. Short-term radon tests can be used to get a general estimate of the amount of gas in the home. The results, however, are not very accurate, because the quantity of the substance in a home tends to very greatly over time. A long-term, 90-day, test is far more accurate, and should be the second step in the testing process. The third available option is to hire a professional contractor to perform the radon tests. With more expensive and accurate equipment, this is probably the best option to determine the amount of radon that is in the home.
If the radon tests show that there are unacceptable levels of radon in the home, then the next step is to fix the problem. Sometimes the solution can be as simple as installing a vent fan and some ductwork. If that does not lower the levels, however, it may be time to call a professional in to do the work. The contractor will start by sealing any cracks in the foundation, and then a system will be installed underneath the home that will collect the gas and vent it outside. After the repairs are complete, it is a good idea to do a few more radon tests to ensure that the house is now safe.
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