Get matched with top radon detection and reduction specialists in New Boston, OH

Keeping radon from getting into your home is much better than having to get rid of it once it's already indoors. While there may not be a way to fully prevent radon from getting into your home, there are things you can do to reduce the gas's ability to enter. 

Sealing foundation cracks and openings can help keep the gas from seeping inside. Improving air flow, such as by opening windows, can also be helpful. If you're building your home from scratch, talk to your contractor about using radon-resistant construction to keep the gas out.

No level of radon is technically safe, but since it is present everywhere, complete avoidance is impossible. The average radon level in homes across the United States is 1.3 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends taking preventative measures if your home's radon levels are between 2 and 4 pCi/L or higher.

The lifespan of a radon mitigation system depends on the type of system and its maintenance. With proper care, a system can last for many decades. Passive systems tend to last longer as they have fewer components that require replacement. Active systems, which have more moving parts like fans, generally have a shorter lifespan. For instance, water filtration devices and active pressurization systems require more frequent maintenance. While the system as a whole is durable, the radon fan in an active system typically has a lifespan of 5 to 10 years and will need to be replaced. As long as the fan is working, the mitigation system should function correctly.

Radon is the number one non-smoking cause of lung cancer in the United States, but it can cause some other concerning side effects in the meantime. If you have a raspy voice, chest pains, trouble breathing, difficulty swallowing, or any of the above, don’t hesitate to perform radon testing and install a mitigation system as soon as possible.