What is Radon Mitigation?

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What is Radon Mitigation? If you have ever bought
a property or been present at a survey you will
probably have heard of radon gas. It is a
natural gas but is radioactive. The gas has no
color, taste and no obvious aroma. This means
that it cannot be detected unless you use
specialist equipment. You may be surprised to
know that radioactive substances, such as
uranium, decompose very slowly. As they
decompose they release radon gas. The higher the
levels of radon gas in an area the more decaying
radiation is present. Where Do You Find Radon As
Uranium and Thorium decay they provide the two
main sources of Radon gas. However, these two
radioactive elements are actually the two most
common ones on Earth they will both take
billions of years to decay. Radon gas itself
does not have a very long life, but, it is
constantly being generated by Uranium and
Thorium. Surprisingly it is very easy to absorb
radon gas into your body just by breathing. This
is partly because it is a gas and partly because
it is available in abundance. It is worth noting
that it is a dense gas and will generally stay
close to the ground or even below ground. This
means that basements and any other spaces under
buildings are the highest risk areas. Doses You
can find high concentrations of Radon in one area
and just a fe? wiYutes drie a?ay
lo? concentrations or none at all. Unfortunately
absorbing high levels of radon gas has been
linked with an increased likelihood of lung
cancer. Research suggests that it is the
decaying radon that actually causes cancerous
cells. As radon decays it produces solid pieces
of radon which are deemed to be far more
dangerous than the gas itself. What is Radon
Mitigation? Radon mitigation is the term used to
describe anything which reduces the amount of
radon or the risk of radon poisoning. There are
several things which can classify as radon
mitigation Tests You can hire a small unit
which tests for radiation or even buy one. They
will fit into the palm of your hand.
Alternatively you can get a specialist firm to
come into your home and complete a survey. The
detectors can be put in your basement or lowest
point of your home and you will be provided with
a record of the radon gas levels for each day,
week and month it has been operating. To ensure
the test is accurate you must follow the
instructions provided.
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Vent Pipe One of the simplest ways to remove
radon gas from your home is to install a vent
pipe and a fan. This will push the heavy gas out
of your home and into the air above your home.
This air will quickly dilute the radon gas
dramatically reducing any risk Plastic It is
possible to place a plastic sheet on the top of
the floor and the vent pipe and fan under this.
This has been described as the most effective
method for radon mitigation and should be
considered if you find you have excess amounts of
radon gas. Source http//bmlestates.com/what-is-
radon-mitigation/