Radon remediation is a procedure in which a structure's radon levels are reduced. Also known as radon mitigation or radon reduction, radon remediation is designed to reduce radon exposure levels for people who use the structure. Contracting firms which specialize in radon removal can be hired to perform this procedure, or people can install radon reduction systems on their own, depending on the levels of radon in the home and their level of skill when it comes to construction tasks.
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas which forms naturally inside the Earth's crust as a byproduct of the uranium breakdown process. The gas seeps towards the surface, and can enter structures through their foundations and subfloor levels. Once inside, the radon may become trapped, causing levels to rise indoors and exposing people to significant health risks. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that radon levels higher than four picocuries per liter are considered dangerous, and should be addressed with radon remediation.
If people inhale radon, it puts them at an increased risk for lung cancer. Radon exposure is one of the leading sources of exposure to ionizing radiation for many people, and this gas has been linked with numerous cancer deaths. Radon levels can accumulate in a wide variety of structures of any age, and many people are not aware of dangerous radon levels until radon testing is conducted to check on the levels of this gas.
If radon testing reveals an unacceptable level of radon, radon remediation may be initiated. This process often includes venting the structure to dissipate the gas, and installing radon resistant systems so that the gas cannot accumulate again. These systems include ventilation underneath a structure which routes the gas to the outside, rather than allowing it to drift into the structure. It can also include ventilation in the house to push the gas out of the air, along with sealing and the installation of impermeable membranes around the foundations.
It is a good idea to test a structure for radon before purchasing it. If a structure requires radon remediation, this could be used as an argument to lower the price, or radon remediation could be incorporated into an offer as a condition of sale. People who want to get higher prices for structures they want to sell may want to consider radon testing and remediation before putting the structure on the market.
By Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a About Mechanics researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.