If you are building a new home, there are hundreds of things to consider. One of them may be radon. Radon gas is a naturally occuring radioactive gas that can enter your home and become a health risk. It is actually the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. However, if you haven't broken ground there are things you can do to prevent radon. Are there things that make radon prevention in new homes possible?
First lets understand how radon enters a home. Radon is the naturally occuring byproduct of uranium decaying and breaking down in the soil and rocks. Which is what your home will be built on. It can be found anywhere since it comes from soil. It enters the home through construction joints and cracks in the foundation. For prevention, sealing construction openings and cracks can help but unfortunately, it can enter through the smalled pores in the cement. The only way to stop that from happening is installing what is called a passive radon system before your foundation is poured. This consists of a specialized air channel BEFORE the foundation is poured. It also includes a system of pipes installed with the plumbing pipes that is hidden in the wall. If you are about to break ground on a new home, consider implementing a radon reduction system now.
Installing a passive radon reduction system before construction is complete is a little more cost effective than installing an active system after. However, installing a passive system will generally only reduce radon in a home by 50%. So even if you have a passive system installed, it may help with some prevention but it isn't a 100% guarantee you won't still have high radon in your home. But turning a passive system into an active system is very fast and easy because pipes are already laid and all that we have to do is connect a fan to pull the air from beneath the house. We then vent it out above the house so the radon never enters your home.
The first step is contacting the specialists at Utah Radon Services. If you are planning to build, we can consult with you about radon prevention. If your home is already built, we can test for radon. We offer free radon teesting.. Either way, fill out the form on this page or contact us at 801-871-0715 to get started.
Why Test for Radon - Radon is a colorless, tasteless, odorless gas that is released when naturally occurring uranium in soil decays. Not only is it radioactive, but 1 in 3 homes in Utah have high levels indoors. Radon accounts for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year and is the leading cause of lung […]
Home has a Radon Problem? - If you have heard of radon gas and the potential health risks that exposure may present, you may be wondering how to know if your home has high radon levels. Rest assured, we’re here to break down what radon is, what the risks of radon exposure are, and how […]
Radon is a radioactive gas that enters your home through cracks and pores in the foundation as uranium decays underground. Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, which means it requires specialized testing to protect your family. Side Effects of Radon Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United […]
