LANSING, Mich., September 28, 2017 (Newswire.com) - Why Ask a Stupid Question About Radon?
There are no stupid questions when it comes to your health and the health of your family. Homeowners need to know radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and is responsible for roughly 21,000 deaths per year. Everybody has questions about radon once they learn of its hidden dangers. Sept. 28 is Ask A Stupid Question Day, typically observed the last school day of September. On this day SWAT Environmental urges every homeowner, parent, teacher, and business owner to “Ask a Stupid Question,” that others are more than likely wondering as well.
Because of the hidden dangers, no question about radon is a stupid question. People need to be as knowledgeable as possible about radon gas.
Diana Cotton, Director of Marketing and Media
How does Radon exposure affect your lungs?
Radon is the number two cause of lung cancer, second only to smoking. Radon decays and gives off radioactive particles. When inhaled, these particles can damage lung cells leading to lung cancer. Being exposed to 4 picocuries during typical waking hours is equivalent to smoking a half pack of cigarettes during that time.
Who discovered Radon?
German scientist, Friedrich Ernst Dorn, discovered radon in 1900. Radon, a naturally occurring element, was given number 86 on the periodic table and is the last of the noble gases. Radon can be found in low levels in the atmosphere and some bodies of water due to dispersion. It has been found in wells, and soil around and under structures.
How do I know if I have radon in my home or business?
Radon is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas much like carbon monoxide and exposure happens in homes, offices and buildings. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states it has been found in all fifty states and 1 out of 15 homes nationally have elevated levels of radon. Some states have high radon levels in 50 percent of the homes. The only way to know if you have elevated radon levels is to test. Radon test kits can be purchased at home improvement stores or at 911Radon.com. The average price for a radon test kit is $20.00. If the results come back with radon levels at or above 4 pCi/L, the EPA recommends mitigating the problem.
How does radon get removed from a building?
Through the mitigation process, radon can be diverted from below the home to the outdoor exterior, where it can disperse into the exterior air. The goal of the mitigation process is to reduce the concentration of the radon gas to a level where it is no longer harmful to the occupants of the building. Since radon is naturally occurring, there will always be small traces in all homes and buildings, but the goal is to be below 4 pCi/L.
What is the cost of a radon mitigation system?
Radon mitigation costs can vary based on the levels, the foundation of the building, and if there could be a major outlet allowing radon into the structure, such as a crawl space or major cracks in the foundation. However, the overall cost compared to many minor home improvements is about the same or even less.
If you have more questions about radon, know that they are not stupid, and check out the FAQs. Call SWAT Environmental if you cannot find the answers you are looking for at 1-800-NO-RADON (800-667-2366).
Media Contact:
Diana Cotton
Director of Marketing and Media
SWAT Environmental
DianaC@Swat-Radon.com
Source: SWAT Environmental
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