Radon in Finished vs Unfinished Basements
Radon infiltrates homes and businesses particularly through basements, posing significant health risks such as respiratory illnesses and lung cancer. Radon mitigation strategies vary based on whether basements are finished or unfinished, with different sealing and ventilation qualities influencing radon levels and the effectiveness of treatments.
Understanding the Impact of HVAC Systems on Radon Levels
HVAC systems play a crucial role in maintaining the comfort of our homes and businesses, and they can also have a direct impact on radon levels and mitigation efforts.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Radon Exposure
Over time, exposure to radon can lead to the development of numerous upper respiratory illnesses and cancer, the symptoms are not as immediately identifiable. What are the symptoms of radon exposure, and how can you tell if it is potentially impacting someone's health?
The Sources of Radon in Commercial Buildings
While radon concerns often center around residential homes, commercial properties across the Southwest must also contend with this invisible radioactive gas accumulating in workplaces.
Radon Risks and Mitigation: A Comprehensive Resource Guide
To help protect home and business owners in the Southwest, we have compiled valuable resources covering radon, its associated health risks, and how to best protect and educate yourself.
Preparing Your Home for a Radon Test
Invisible to the naked eye, the only way to determine if radon is accumulating to dangerous levels is by testing. However, a test can only be effective if steps are taken to ensure proper testing conditions are met.
Benefits of Radon Mitigation Systems
Radon poses a serious health risk in homes and businesses across the country. Radon can be dramatically reduced by having a professionally installed radon mitigation system, and in addition, there are several benefits to having a radon mitigation system that you may not know about.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Radon Tests
As NRPP certified radon measurement professionals (RMPs), we frequently get asked about the differences between short-term and long-term radon testing. Here’s what homeowners need to know about choosing a test, and why long-term kits provide the most accurate results.
Understanding the Danger of Radon-Induced Lung Cancer
Invisible and odorless, radon often goes unnoticed without the use of specialized detection equipment. However, prolonged exposure to radon and its radioactive decay particles can cause serious lung damage, making radon exposure the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. As such, it is imperative that all homeowners be vigilant about radon testing to identify and mitigate this stealthy home intruder.
Understanding Sub-Slab Depressurization for Radon Mitigation
Sub-slab depressurization systems are the most common method used to protect building occupants from soil gas intrusion, particularly radon gas. But what exactly is a sub-slab depressurization system, how does it work, and what makes it so effective at mitigating indoor radon?
Air Quality Index and Radon Testing
With the Air Quality Index (AQI) playing a crucial role in assessing the quality of our air, it's natural to wonder how it can impact the results of radon testing. Though it primarily focuses on outdoor air pollutants, AQI can indirectly impact the results of radon testing, especially in residential dwellings.
Radon Operation, Maintenance, and Monitoring (OM&M) Plans
For property owners, occupants, or onsite maintenance techs, maintaining and monitoring both radon levels and mitigation systems can be extremely complicated. That's why it’s recommended by AARST and all radon professionals that you establish a Radon Operation, Maintenance, and Monitoring Plan, or OM&M for short.
New 2023 Radon Testing Requirements from the FHFA
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has taken a crucial step towards safeguarding the health and well-being of tenants living in multifamily properties backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. With the adoption of a more robust 2023 Enterprise Multifamily Radon Policy, the FHFA is ensuring that the Enterprises' properties continue to offer safe and sustainable housing across the United States.
Should You Be Concerned About Radon In Your Neighborhood?
Radon is a widespread problem across the US, especially in the Southwest which has historically high levels of indoor radon. However, it's important to note that radon levels can vary from state to state, county to county, and even from home to home. As such, if a home in your neighborhood has tested high for indoor radon, it's imperative that you take action to protect your own home from this invisible hazard.
Texas Homes Need Radon Testing & Mitigation
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, about one in five homes in the state has elevated radon levels above the EPA's recommended action level of 4 pCi/L. If you're a homeowner or property manager in Texas, it's crucial to understand the risks of radon exposure and to take action to protect your family, tenants, and employees.
Interior vs Exterior Radon Mitigation
When it comes to selecting a radon mitigation system for your home, you'll have the choice between either an interior system or exterior system. Understanding the pros and cons of both will help you make an informed decision when determining which system that best suits your needs for your home or business.
National Radon Action Month
Exposure to indoor radon is a serious health risk for home and business owners. This colorless, odorless, tasteless gas is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and is responsible for over 20,000 deaths per year. To help raise awareness, promote radon testing, and educate our communities about the dangers of radon, the EPA has designated January as National Radon Action Month here in the United States.
Radon Mitigation System Maintenance
A radon mitigation system is the most effective means of protecting yourself and your family from the dangers of indoor radon. When properly installed, a radon mitigation system will effectively reduce indoor radon levels by up to 99%. However, a common question we get from home and business owners is what maintenance is needed to keep your radon system running as it should.
Radon Across the Southwest
Though it varies from state to state and even county to county, indoor radon is a hazard of which all homeowners should be aware. This naturally occurring radioactive gas is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers in the US and is found in homes across the country, including the American Southwest. As such, the EPA and NRPP strongly advise all homeowners to have their property tested prior to purchase and have an appropriate mitigation system installed.