FAQs

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released in rock, soil, and water from the natural decay of uranium. It can be found in the soil and well water throughout the world at some level. You can’t see, smell, or taste it, but an elevated radon level in your home may affect the health of your family.

Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the number one cause among non-smokers. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that radon causes more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths in the country each year. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths. If you smoke and your home has radon, your risk of lung cancer can be higher. Not everyone exposed to high radon levels will develop lung cancer but the risk is exposure over time.

Radon is a genuine concern; it is a radioactive substance that can be quantified, and its impacts are well-documented. Comprehensive studies on radon risks have been conducted by organizations such as the EPA, CDC, and WHO. You can find case study information on their official websites.

Although not advisable, it is possible for someone with the right skills and knowledge of building structures to successfully reduce radon levels, depending on the building's age and design. However, there are several important factors to consider when designing and properly installing a radon mitigation system. The type of material beneath the slab can impact the pressure field extension, which determines how far the fan can effectively draw air from a specific suction point, often necessitating multiple suction points in many homes. Additionally, crawl spaces and slab-on-grade areas like garages, patios, and porches can also be significant sources of radon with elevated levels. The placement of the fan and discharge points must adhere to radon mitigation standards to prevent radon gas from re-entering the home.

You can check if the fan is operating by standing next to it or the system piping and listening for the sound of the fan. The U-tube manometer gauge on the system should show a pressure differential, meaning the levels on either side of the gauge will be uneven. For added security, you might consider installing an audible alarm that alerts you in case of a fan failure. It's also important to test regularly to ensure your system keeps radon levels below the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L, with the EPA recommending retesting every two years.

Additionally, there are now relatively affordable electronic home monitors available, some of which can connect to your mobile device.

If you have a well, it's important to test your well water for radon as well. Radon gas can be released from water when it is aerated, such as at your showerhead and sink faucets. Specifically, it takes 10,000 pCi/L of radon in water to emit 1 pCi/L of radon in the air. According to a report from the National Academy of Sciences, the EPA estimates that radon in drinking water contributes to approximately 168 deaths each year. We are an authorized installer of the AirWell system, which effectively reduces radon at the source before it enters your home.