Wednesday 25 September 2013

When To Call In Radon Services

By Marla Mills


Recently there has been a tremendous amount of publicity about the dangers of environmental pollutants. Many people are now very careful about the items and products they bring into their home. However, there is a danger that cannot be seen and has no smell. Radon is a gas that is present in most parts of the country. Yet many people are still unaware of the dangers it presents and do not know when to bring in expert radon services.

Families with young children should be particularly aware of the dangers of this natural gas. It often accumulates in basements and anyone who plans to finish their basement as additional living areas or as a playroom should have a test done. The test is very affordable and easy to perform. Usually a licensed technician brings a specially designed canister to the property. This is then left in an out of the way spot for a few days. The technician then retrieves the canister and reads the gas levels.

Should a high reading be reported there are a number of step that can be taken. The correct type of remediation really depends on the type of home. Single family homes, condominiums and high rise buildings are all treated in different ways. It is important to have a meeting with an experienced technician to determine the extent of the problem and decide on the best course of action.

Even slightly elevated levels of the gas can be a health hazard. This is particularly true if the inhabitants are exposed to it over a long period of time. Most people do not even think about having their home tested until they are selling it. Most residential home sales require a radon test to alert the potential buyer to a problem.

In the hot humid southern states the outside air in summer is very damp. Bringing it into a confined space can quickly lead to mold or mildew forming. This in turn can present a new risk to the inhabitants of the building. An additional humidifying system must also be operating to deal with this problem.

If high levels of radon gas are found it is important to bring in a licensed professional to begin the mitigation process right away. There are a number of different approaches that all depend on the type of structure. Single families homes are usually treated with a simple air exchange system for the basement. The stagnant air is pumped out and clean fresh air pumped in.

An effective mitigation system is very important as high gas levels can affect the value of a property. It may also become an issue if the owner needs to refinance. Prompt and effective action is very important.

All home owners and tenants should take the time to educate themselves about the serious dangers of radon gas. Although it is a natural substance it can also be very dangerous to humans. Every home should be tested by professional radon services to ensure that the gas is always kept at a safe level.




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