Radon gas can enter homes through groundwater wells drilled into bedrock that contains radon. Water that is pumped from this type of well can have elevated levels of radon if it comes in contact with building materials such as granite block foundation walls, some fireplaces, floor radonbrønn i eldre hus or wall tiles and other construction elements. When dissolved in water, radon easily escapes to the air and can raise indoor radon concentrations. The EPA recommends that people with private wells test for radon in their water and for radon in their air. If the concentration of radon in the home is above 4 pCi/L, a radon removal system should be installed.
Radon can also migrate up through the soil to the inside of the house where it becomes concentrated in the air. When inhale, radon in the air can cause lung cancer and increase risk of death. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and it is the number one cause of lung cancer for those who smoke.
The EPA recommends that all homeowners install a radon mitigation system if their radon test results are above the recommended level. It is a fairly easy and inexpensive solution that can be done by a professional contractor or as a DIY project with assistance from a certified installer or a radon mitigation specialist. The most common system has a vent pipe system that attaches to the house’s foundation and a fan that continuously exhausts the radon into the outside. It is similar to a plumbing vent and usually does not require any major changes in the house’s structure. It is most effective in houses with basements but it can be used in other types of buildings as well.
Other options include systems that utilize a well, drain tile or sump pit to remove the radon from the water. In these cases, a plastic sheet is placed over the area where the well is located. It is then connected to a perforated pipe or a drain mat that extends beneath the surface of the soil. A fan then creates a vacuum and draws the radon from the soil to the pipe, which is then vented to the outside. These systems can be effective in homes with or without a basement and can be used in conjunction with sealing cracks in the foundation to make them more effective.
Well water aeration treatment can also reduce radon in the house water supply. Aeration systems are typically installed at the point where the water first enters the house, usually at the well tank. These systems work by mixing clean air with the water as it is pulled from the well to help break down radon ions in the water. This method of removing radon from the water can remove more than 99 percent of the radon in the water and decrease the concentration of radon in the air.
Before undertaking any radon testing or mitigation, it is a good idea to get quotes from several companies to ensure that you are getting the best prices. Also, check with your tax professional to see if you can qualify for health or flexible spending account tax deductions.