The Invisible Enemy: Radon Wreaking Havoc
Breaking Down Radon
Just because we cannot see objects doesn't mean they are not real. Radon is an odorless, tasteless, and invisible gas that can only be detected by testing. As the Minnesota Department of Health states, "Radon gas decays into fine particles that are radioactive" (MN Dept., 2024). Prolonged exposure to this radioactive gas will lead to health issues for members of the home. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and is linked to over 20,000 lung cancer-related deaths each year.
Radon Wreaking Havoc in Homes
Since we understand the risks of radon, how does it get into homes? There are several places where radon can enter your home. Now radon will not just walk through your front door, but it can find its way through the basement. Radon can sneak in through the tops of block walls, mortar joints, floor-wall joints, and pores and cracks in your foundation. Additionally, radon can come up through sump baskets and exposed soil around the basement. The Minnesota Department of Health states that two in five homes have high radon levels in Minnesota (MN Dept., 2024). In addition to contributing to serious health issues, it can affect other aspects of your life. When a homeowner decides to sell their homes, they will need to test their radon levels. If the house has high radon levels, it will affect the resale value.
No Level Is Safe
A commonly asked question is "What is a safe radon level?" There is no such thing as a "safe radon level", any level will have health risks. Ideally, a home level should be as close to zero as possible. At American Waterworks, we offer two types of radon testing. We have a charcoal option and continuous monitoring over two days. Homeowners should be testing their homes annually, more specifically during the colder winter months. Because your home is closed for the winter months, it will show the worst-case scenario radon level.
*American Waterworks does not service Iowa for radon.
Not the Same for Every Home
Even if a neighbor completes a radon test, this does not mean all homes in the neighborhood are low. Radon levels will differ from home to home and should be assessed in a case-by-case scenario. For example, a home could test at a 3 while the home right next door could test at an 8. The only way to receive an accurate reading of a home's radon level is to have it tested by a professional.
American Waterworks offers a versatile radon mitigation system that will be custom-built to the home's structure. When a radon mitigation system is installed, the forces need to be redirected from the "stack effect", meaning it draws air from below the home into the living space. Once the stack effect is redirected, the radon gas must be diverted. Our crews will drill a hole into the slab, crawl space, or surrounding soil to create a suction point. Then, the radon gas is vented through the PVC pipe and connected to the hole. Next, the pipe is connected to the fan in the attic and vented away from the home. To complete the installation, the radon entry points are sealed, and our technicians will provide the final system checklist.
At American Waterworks, we know the dangers of having high radon levels in your home, so we offer a solution that will keep you and your family safe. Have peace of mind knowing radon gas is properly mitigated out of your home. Click HERE to sign up for your FREE, no-obligation estimate with one of our professionally trained Design Specialists.