Do You Need To Be Concerned About Radon in Your Home?
You might have heard about radon being called the silent killer, but many homeowners have not heard of it at all. If you are not familiar with radon or have only heard about it in passing, it is time to learn a little more and see what you can do to reduce or eliminate it in your home or business. Long-term exposure to higher levels of radon can cause significant health problems, which is the best reason to find out what it is and what can be done about it.
What Is Radon?
Radon is a gas that is released when uranium in the soil decays. You do not have to live near a uranium mine to be exposed. It is found in small amounts in soils and rocks found in many parts of the country. As the gas breaks down, it releases tiny radioactive particles that can be breathed into your lungs. They are so tiny that you cannot see them, and they have no odor.
These tiny radioactive particles can enter your home through tiny cracks or openings in the foundation. Porous materials can also allow them to enter. If there is no way to remove them, they can build up over time. This can damage the lungs and lead to lung cancer in the future. It can also affect your children and pets.
How Do You Know If You Have a Radon Problem?
If you have a radon problem in your home, it is a serious health concern. The Midwest is one of the areas of the country of particular concern. That is why the Illinois Department of Public Health has certain guidelines about testing the mitigating radon in homes and businesses.
The only way to know if you have radon in your home is to have a professional come out and test it. The EPA has set a level of 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter of air) as the maximum allowable level in a building. Any building that tests above this level must have a radon mitigation installed. Anyone who performs radon testing must be licensed by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA).
It is estimated that nearly 40% of homes in Illinois have radon levels beyond the EPA recommended limits. Also, changes in your home or the soil can cause homes that were once safe to become unsafe. That is why it is recommended that you test your home or business every two years. If you are planning to sell your home, a radon test will have to be performed as part of the process.
Always Ready Repair - Radon Mitigation Professionals
Radon mitigation systems are a simple concept, but the installation must meet strict requirements set by the EPA. An improperly installed system can raise radon levels in the home rather than reduce them. That is why it is important to hire an installer or repair company that is licensed and experienced in the installation and upkeep of these systems.
Always Ready Repair offers radon mitigation services, radon system installation, radon system repair, and they offer other services, such as HVAC installation and repair, and Air Conditioning. We have been serving Orland Park, Palos Park and the surrounding Chicago suburbs for over 70 years. We offer a variety of services for homes and businesses in the Chicago area. If you need a radon system installed or have one that needs to be repaired, you can contact our team for a quote, and we can get started.
