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Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible, odorless, radioactive gas. It is produced when uranium, found in soil and rocks, breaks down as part of the decay chain. The radon gas then moves through the soil in an attempt to exit the ground and enter the atmosphere. Unfortunately, some of the radon gas becomes trapped under nearby homes and buildings, where it can eventually enter the living/habitable space. It remains the second-leading cause of lung cancer after tobacco use and the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

Radon Facts

Symptoms

Exposure to radon gas over a significant period does not produce immediate symptoms the way other substances might, such as mold or other irritants. Those who are subject to elevated levels of radon don’t cough, sneeze, wheeze, or suffer from throat and eye irritation. The actual impact of radon gas is not immediately known, as symptoms of lung cancer don’t show up for several years after the onset of cancer. To date, lung cancer remains the only known adverse effect of radon gas exposure. Statistics show that radon gas causes more than 20,000 deaths a year, with those who smoke while living or working in a radon-laden environment at even greater risk of contracting the disease.

Radon Testing & Prevention

Radon tests are the only way to determine if high levels of the gas are present in your home or commercial space. Individual self-test kits are helpful. However, radon testing by professionals is strongly recommended to verify the exact level of radon in the property, as these individuals are trained to follow strict State of Nebraska testing protocols. If the level is at 4.0 pico-Curies per liter or above, radon mitigation is strongly recommended by the EPA to lower the level.  Radon mitigation usually consists of installing a fan-driven ventilation system that removes air from crawl spaces and sub-slab areas to minimize the amount of radon entering the building/home. Measures that can help to lower the amount of radon gas entering your home or business include, sealing cracks in your basement floor, applying caulk or sealant along floor to wall joints, and installing a sealed lid on sump openings that are part of a sub-slab drain tile system.

Schedule radon tests and mitigation with the talented team at A to Z Radon Solutions, a division of Z&H Enterprises. The Lincoln, NE, radon mitigation and home inspection company has helped keep communities safe for over 10 years and provides free estimates, testing, and consultations. Call (402) 742-5806 to obtain your estimate or visit the website for more information. Like the company on Facebook for additional helpful tips.

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