Top 5 Radon Mitigation Myths Debunked

Radon mitigation has undergone some scrutiny in recent years, due to some misconceptions surrounding it. What is radon exactly? Is it actually something to worry about? Do all homes have to be tested? There are some conflicting opinions on this, so we have debunked the top 5 radon mitigation myths, so you can make an informed decision about what would be best for you, your family, and your home.

Here are some common myths surrounding radon.

Radon is not something to worry about
Testing for radon is time-consuming and expensive
Radon only affects certain types of homes
You have to test your water for radon
Radon is only a concern if you live in certain states

Many people are not sure what exactly radon is, so there are many misconceptions about its relative toxicity and danger to homeowners. The Environmental Protection Agency defines radon as a radioactive gas that naturally occurs during the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, or water. It seeps into homes through cracks in the foundation or other openings in the home.

Radon is in fact quite harmful to human health, and many agencies have advised on the importance of having your home checked for radon. It is a radioactive gas that is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in the United States.

Some people believe that testing for radon is a time-consuming and expensive process, when really it isn’t. It is a straight-forward process, and you can either choose to do it yourself using a short-term testing kit, or hire a company to conduct a long-term test that tends to be more accurate.

When you hire a company to manage your radon testing for you, they will come in, install the testing equipment, and leave until it is time to collect it from you. While hiring a professional is going to be more expensive than a DIY approach, you’ll be able to rest assured the results are correct. That peace of mind is often worth the cost.

Due to the fact that radon comes from the breakdown of uranium in the surrounding earth, the actual type of home does not matter. Radon can affect any type of home; rather, it depends on the ground that the home is built upon.

Depending on the geology of that particular area, as well as the construction materials being used and the way the home is being built, there will be varying amounts of radon present. It does not matter whether the home is old or new, a two-story home or a bungalow, with or without a basement.

While this myth isn’t completely incorrect, it isn’t entirely accurate either. Testing your water for radon is important; however conducting a test on the water should only be completed after testing the air first.

Most homes are connected to a public water supply, which would be monitoring for levels of radon already. However, if you conduct an air test and discover levels of radon are present, then it would be useful for you to test your water, especially if your water comes from a private well.

Some claim that radon is only a concern for people who live in certain states, however this is completely untrue and an unsafe perspective. Radon can be found anywhere, and it is more the geological makeup of a given area that will determine whether radon levels are present or not.

In fact, high radon levels have been found in every state across the country, so it is important to test your specific home for any radon contamination. Radon levels are dependent upon soil composition, atmospheric conditions, and construction processes. So, the only way to know for sure if your home is free of radon is to have your home tested for it.