Radon gas at home: how to recognize and use the test kit

Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that occurs naturally. It is a chemical element existing as a by-product of natural decay of uranium, an element of justification that was formed after the land which is already found in small quantities anywhere. When radon is trapped in buildings can increase the concentrations of radon in indoor environments and exposure is a problem then.

We have a lot of attention to the fact that radon is a deadly gas. This is one of theMain cause of lung cancer in the United States, second only to smoking, the number one for deaths from lung cancer. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Surgeon General has recommended that all houses (with the exception of the upper part of the second floor in multi-level buildings) be tested for radon. Needless to say that smokers have to suffer with high levels of radon in homes of much greater risk of lung cancer.

Humidity Chamber

How radon enters the home
Uranium is aradioactive element that decays to form radium, which gives off radon gas migrates through the soil and penetrates into the water and the air we breathe. When it reaches the earth's surface, the gas can directly into the air, where they usually do not, or can be in a building where it accumulates and causes health problems filter.

Some parts of the United States are more sensitive to radon gas than others. The difference between the higher pressure in the ground around yourHome of the foundation and the lower air pressure makes your home look like an empty house, radon gas through cracks, open joints, holes and is more or less pulled out all the openings below the surface of the earth.

Since radon is also can be water, can be released into the air above the house used in your shower with water and water for domestic use if the risk is low compared to the amount of radon coming from the ground. For small number of families, building materialsto radon gas, though only rarely cause problems.

Methods to detect the concentration of radon
You must run a test to find out if radon is in a building. This is the only way. The EPA recommends two types of tests:

In the short term, or passive-Testing - This is the most economical and fast. Depending on the chosen device, can remain at home for 2 to 90 days. Cylinders of carbon, electret ion chamber, continuous monitoring coal and liquid scintillationDetectors are the most commonly used in short-term tests. Since the radon concentration from day to day and season tend to vary season, provides a summary of a final evaluation less than an endurance test. For faster results even stronger, not a short trial period followed by another test person as such.

Many types of low-cost short-term "do-it-yourself" radon test kits are available at home centers and hardware stores. Make a test kit that has passed the EPA test program or buyrecognized by the state. It should be something like "Meets EPA requirements" is displayed on the kit. They are fairly inexpensive.

Long-term tests or Active - This is an expensive way and the test kit has been in the house for more than 90 days. There are two types of test kits commonly used: Alpha track detectors and electret. It is a long-term test will give a reading that is more likely that your home all year, the average level of radon to tell. Radon gas detectors, gas monitoring levelongoing basis are also available.

Hiring a qualified or state certified tester EPA radon, if you will, some lenders require certified test results to complete the transaction for buying or selling a home.

How to Use a Radon Test Kit
Follow the instructions provided with the kit. Place the kit radon in the liveliest area of ​​the property. Should be in a room that used to be done regularly, but not your kitchen or bathroom. Place the kit at least 20 inchesabove the earth in a place where they are not disturbed. Keep away from drafts, heat, high humidity and exterior walls. Leave the kit instead, as long as the package is not that far away, before receiving. When you are finished testing, shows the packet, send it directly to the package specified laboratory. Normally you should get results within a few weeks.

Note that if you like a very short test, which lasts only 2-3 days, be sure to close windows and outsideDoors at least 12 hours in advance, for a long period of testing, keep your windows and exterior doors as possible during the test. Remember: Do not run tests 2 or 3 days to stand as strong storms or twenty unusually strong. The results are incorrect.

Interpretation of test results
The amount of radon in the air is usually in picocuries of radon per liter of air (pCi / L) measured, or sometimes it can be expressed in working levels (WL). Based on EPA standards, the amountof radon, which is above 4 pCi / L or 0.002 WL deemed too high, that the corrective measures be taken to resolve the problem. If your initial short-term test result is above 4 pCi / L or 0.002 WL, EPA recommends you take a second test to be sure. For a better understanding of the concentrations of radon in your home, under a long term test is recommended.

Each radon carries some risk, including levels below the EPA specified. The lower the amount of radon is sometimesnecessary. This would be the next intersection - of radon reduction techniques.

Radon gas at home: how to recognize and use the test kit