Depending on your location, you may have heard of a radon mitigation system. But what is a radon mitigation system, and why should you care?
Radon is a naturally-occurring and is generally harmless when outdoors. However, many people fail to realize that radon can be deadly indoors.
It may be natural gas, but it’s a natural gas that can cause lung cancer. The gas is invisible, odorless and tasteless, making it notoriously difficult to detect. Fortunately, professionally installing mitigation systems for radon will reduce the toxicity level, even when you can’t tell the difference.
Keep reading to discover the other benefits of installing these systems that go beyond its deadly side effects.
What Is Radon?
Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that’s in the atmosphere in small trace amounts. When you’re outdoors in a radon-prone area, the gas disperses rapidly and is not generally a reason for concern.
However, when radon gets trapped indoors through cracks and other holes, it can increase the risk of lung cancer over time. In fact, in the United States, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and the number one cause among non-smokers.
1. Protect Your Health
The biggest reason you want to install a radon system is to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. As stated earlier, radon is a leading cause of lung cancer, and it poses an extreme threat to homeowners.
Fortunately, new technology makes the previously undetectable gas much easier to detect. Most kits make this possible by using digital testing monitors and other tools.
That means homeowners can now test their homes on a whim and protect their family’s health by not ignoring this toxic gas. However, it’s best to contact radon mitigation system installers, like Guardian Environmental, to mitigate if the results are over 4.0pCi/L.
2. Reduce Moisture
Although not the initially intended result, a welcome benefit of having a radon mitigation system is reduced moisture levels. Many homeowners will discover a significant difference in their basement’s humidity levels over time. So not only will you live with tolerable radon levels, but you’ll also save on your energy bills by not running your dehumidifier as often!
3. Increase Salability of Your Home
Whether you’re a seller or buyer, you’ll find that many deals will require low radon levels before finalizing a deal. It’s the worst feeling when you’re that close to closing on a home, only to have it fall apart because the buyer thinks your house is a health hazard.
If you already have a system installed, you can keep it running throughout the year. This helps prevent radon from accumulating, so you can pass the inspection without any delay.
4. Eliminating Mold and Mildew
If you have a home with an open crawl space, you may find it to be a direct source of radon accumulation, mold and mildew. Fortunately, there’s a solution. Radon mitigation installed will generally seal the crawlspace to create an airtight barrier.
This barrier helps prevent radon from entering the open space and also prevents the musty mildew smell. Ultimately, this helps create a dramatic increase in air quality throughout your basement and home.
5. For a Peace of Mind
Radon mitigation systems not only help reduce radon levels but it works to keep them down throughout the year. This is important because radon levels will fluctuate throughout the year. They will also change as your home settles or new cracks develop in the basement or foundation.
Having a mitigation system installed gives you the peace of mind that the radon levels haven’t risen to the point of developing lung cancer over the past few years you’ve owned your home.
Installing a Radon Mitigation System
If you live in an area prone to high radon levels or previously tested positive for high radon levels, there’s no question about what you must do. A radon mitigation system must be installed immediately to protect yourself and your family from this cancer-causing toxic gas.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and the few dollars you spend are a worthwhile investment when you consider the consequences of ignoring the problem and developing cancer. If you found this post helpful, check out our other recent blogs!
