Radon Testing
Many homeowners often worry about the physical maintenance of their household, whether that be keeping up with its infrastructure or general appeal. One thing that is often overlooked is the several tests for dangerous chemicals that should be conducted to help keep you and your family safe. We here at Blue Ridge Home Inspections are experts in detecting numerous toxicities such as mold, water disruptions (and leaks), and life-threatening gasses. One of the worst things that can occur within your home is a Radon leak, which has the potential to give humans dangerous diseases and affect their overall health. If you feel that you might be dealing with any potential hazards, contact us!
What is Radon Gas
Radon is a naturally formed radioactive gas. It is often formed when the radioactive metals of uranium, thorium, or radium, break down into rocks, soil, and groundwater. It is inert, colorless, and odorless, which is a scary combination for any harmful chemical. When it occurs out in the wild, the gas poses little danger, due to it dispersing rapidly and it is generally not a health issue. Since Radon comes naturally from the Earth, people are constantly exposed to it. That being said, this gas can often make its way into homes through cracks and gaps, and this is where true hazards can come about.
Radon: The Silent Killer
Radon can enter your home through cracks in the foundation or other openings. Once it's inside, radon can build up to high levels and become a health hazard. Radon is considered a silent killer because it can cause lung cancer without any symptoms. Because the gas is undetectable from all five senses, radon can remain in your home without you knowing until it's too late, making testing absolutely critical. Although lung cancer from radon exposure can take five to 25 years to develop, the sooner you find out about radon in your home, the better.
The Importance of Radon Testing
Radon Testing is essential to keep everyone within your household healthy. Breathing this toxic chemical over time increases your risk of lung cancer, and it is actually the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. It is estimated that over 20,000 individuals lose their lives every year from radon-related lung cancer and exposure. When you are constantly inhaling radon, its radioactive particles can get trapped into your lungs, which over time increases your risk of contracting a disease. This is why it is crucial to have testing done within your home, as you may not even be aware of the dangers that lie, especially since there is no real evident indication of its presence.
Places Where Radon Is Most Commonly Detected
Radon is most commonly found in areas with granite or uranium deposits. The Blue Ridge area has a lot of granite, which is why radon testing is so important here. If you live in the Blue Ridge area, or any other area with granite or uranium deposits, it's essential to have your home tested for radon.
Who Can Be Affected By Radon?
Everyone is at risk of radon exposure, but some people are more susceptible than others. Smokers and former smokers are at a higher risk because radon can damage the lungs. People who have lung diseases or weakened immune systems are also more vulnerable to radon-induced health problems. Children and infants are especially susceptible because their bodies are still developing.
Can Radon Be Prevented?
The only way to know for sure if radon is present in your home is to test for it. However, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of radon exposure. If you live in an area with high radon levels, have your home tested and consider installing a radon mitigation system. You can also take steps to prevent radon from entering your home in the first place by sealing cracks and other openings in the foundation.
What To Do If Radon Is Detected in Your Home
If radon testing reveals that your home has high levels of radon, don't panic. There are ways to reduce radon levels in your home. One way is to seal cracks and other openings in the foundation. This will prevent radon from entering your home in the first place. You can also install a radon mitigation system, which will remove radon from the air inside your home. If you're concerned about radon in your home, contact Blue Ridge Home Inspections today. We offer radon testing and can help you reduce radon levels in your home. Protect your family from this invisible killer by scheduling a radon test today!
How Often Radon Testing Should Be Done In the Home
In general, Radon testing should be done every few years within the household, as it should be part of your routine for home maintenance. Since this gas has no real indication of when it is around, it is the safest route to take. If you are planning to have any major structural renovations within the home, such as converting a basement area, it is important that you test the location before beginning any construction.
Radon Testing in New Homes
If you're buying a new home, you might think that radon testing is something that the previous owner should have done. But radon can enter a home at any time, so it's important to test for radon, even in new homes. Blue Ridge Home Inspections offers radon testing services in the Blue Ridge area. We use the latest equipment to test for radon and provide accurate results.
Why Us?
Professional Radon testing, such as the work we do at Blue Ridge Home Inspections, is the best option for the most accurate results. Why trust us? We know that realtors deal with numerous different individuals when it comes to getting their homes ready, many of whom can often be stressful to work with. Our certified professionals make the process easy, providing you the confidence in knowing you are working with the best there is to offer in Blue Ridge, Georgia. For radon testing, we use the SunRADON 1028XP, which is a top-of-the-line monitor that offers the best and most accurate results. We simply place the device within your home for 48 hours and can let you know if there are any dangers lurking within!
