Radon Mitigation
Click to CallRadon is a naturally occuring noble gas that is colorless, odorless, and radioactive. As a dense gas, it can accumulate to potentially dangerous levels in home basements, crawl spaces, and wells. Because of its radioactive state, it excessive concentrations inhaled over a period of time can be dangerous to you and your family's health.
Radon is measured in pico-Curies per liter (pCi/L) of air. A picoCurie is a measure of the amount of radioactivity of a particular substance. The level of Radon in outdoor air is about 0.4 pCi/L. The average indoor Radon level is about 1.3 pCi/L. The EPA has established 4.0 pCi/L as the necessary action level for Radon in homes, schools and workplaces. Current mitigation technology, such as that offered by Home Technology Inspections can generally reduce Radon levels to 2.0 pCi/L or less. Since Radon is a carcinogen, no level is completely risk-free. However, since it is a natural part of the environment there is no such thing as a "0" level.
Q: How does Radon get into homes?
A: Radon is a soil gas that typically moves up through the ground to the air above. Air pressure inside a home is usually lower than pressure in the soil around the home's foundation. Homes draw Radon in through dirt floors, hollow-block walls, cracks in the foundation floor and walls, and openings around floor drains, pipes and sump pumps.
Any home may have a Radon problem, including new, old, well-sealed or drafty homes. Radon is generally more concentrated on the lower levels, such as basements, grounds floors and first floors. Home Technology Inspections offers a variety of radon testing and mitigation services to help identify and reduce radon levels in your home.
The major source of Radon in high levels is in the soil and bedrock surrounding and under the house. Radon is found all over the United States and around the world in varying concentrations, with the highest concentrations in the US occurring in Iowa and Southeastern Pennsylvania. Problems with Radon have been identified in every state.
Q: Does my home need Radon Mitigation?
A:Radon accumulation in homes is more common than you may think, but not all homes have potentially dangerous levels of Radon in them. Radon actively enters home basements through cracks,joints, and gaps that are in direct contact with the ground. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has recently released an action plan to help reduce the risk of Radon exposure in homes, and urges all homeowners to have a certified professional such as Home Technology Inspections conduct a thorough test for Radon in your home.
Q: How do I Reduce Radon Levels in my Home?
The EPA recommends reducing Radon levels in your home if the results of a long term or two short term tests indicate Radon Levels of 4 pCi/L (Picocuries Per Liter ) or higher. There are two main types of Radon Mitigation techniques offered by Home Technology Inspections:
1.) Active Soil Depressurization
2.) Heat Recovery Ventiliation
Active Soil Depressurization utilizes a pipe and fan ventilation system to expel Radon from confined spaces. All cracks, sump pumps, and other areas with direct access to the soil underneath the home are sealed off and Radon gas is expelled above the home where it can dissipate into the atmosphere.
Heat Recovery Ventilation is utilized when the only solution to Radon exposure is dilution. HVR (Heat Recovery Ventilation) increases ventilation in areas of your home that contain excessive levels of Radon, but are most effective when used in Basements. They interact directly with existing heating/air conditioning systems, and when properly balanced and maintained, can dramatically increase indoor air quality and reduce Radon levels up to 70%.
Home Technology provides an independent and unbiased investigation and analysis of Radon occurrence and problems in Glens Falls, Queensbury, and Saratoga Springs in upstate New York. We specialize in Radon testing and Radon entry analysis in homes, condos, apartments, schools and complex commercial buildings as well as Radon Mitigation in affected homes. Our experienced and certified Radon Measurement Specialists and Radon Mitigation Specialists stand ready to undertake any radon risk control assignment.
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