Radon is a radioactive gas that poses a serious health risk when it accumulates in homes at high levels. This invisible, odorless threat is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Radon Testing in Lewiston Maine is essential for identifying and mitigating risks. Read on for a comprehensive homeowners guide to understanding radon dangers and how to test your Lewiston home.
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What is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It forms from the natural decay of uranium deposits present in nearly all soils and rocks. As uranium breaks down, it releases radon gas which rises to the surface and can enter homes through cracks and openings in foundation floors and walls. Once inside, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels in indoor air. Prolonged radon exposure is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Don’t take radon risks lightly in your Lewiston home.
Where is Radon Typically Found?
Radon problems are more likely in certain geographic regions with uranium rich soils like the Northeast and Upper Midwest. Maine is considered a Zone 1 radon danger area according to the EPA, with average indoor radon levels exceeding 4 pCi/L. In fact, the Maine CDC estimates around 33% of homes in the state may have elevated radon concentrations. This makes Radon Testing in Lewiston Maine homes especially critical. Don’t assume your home is exempt from radon dangers based on location alone. The only way to know your radon status is to test.
How Does Radon Enter a Home?
Radon is able to seep into homes and buildings through cracks and openings in foundation floors and walls that sit directly on the surrounding soil. It can enter through dirt floors in basements or crawl spaces, floor-wall joints, cracks in concrete slabs and foundation walls, gaps around pipes and wires, and through pores in hollow block foundations. Well water can also contain dissolved radon that gets released when water is used indoors. Any home can potentially have a radon problem regardless of foundation type. Proper testing is the only way to identify current radon levels in your Lewiston home’s air.
What Are the Health Risks?
Radon decay produces radioactive particles that can get trapped in your lungs when you breathe in the gas. As these particles break down further, they release small bursts of energy which can damage lung tissue. Over many years, this repeated lung tissue damage can lead to lung cancer. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among non-smokers. Overall, radon is responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually in the U.S. according to the EPA. Smokers are at especially high risk as smoking combined with radon exposure increases lung cancer risks significantly. Take lung health seriously and test your home.
How to Test for Radon in Lewiston
Thankfully, testing your home for a radon problem is simple and affordable. Here are some options for Radon Testing in Lewiston Maine:
- Short-term test kits – Inexpensive mail-in kits starting around $15. Place in your home for 2-90 days then mail to a lab for analysis.
- Long-term test kits – Test radon over 91+ days for the most accurate average. A longer test gives you the best data.
- Professional testing – Hire a certified radon pro to handle everything and provide detailed results. Costs around $150-$200.
- Continuous radon monitors – Provide real-time monitoring and early warning of radon fluctuations. Prices start around $179.
When to Test for Radon
For the most accurate results, conduct Radon Testing in Lewiston Maine homes in the fall and winter when doors and windows are closed more often. Place the detector or test kit in the lowest lived-in level of your home where it won’t be disturbed. Keep windows closed as much as possible 12 hours prior to and during the test. Operate home systems normally so results reflect everyday conditions. Retest your home at least every 2 years.
Understanding Your Radon Test Results
The EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon in your home if levels are 4 pCi/L or greater. Here’s how to interpret common radon test findings:
- 2 to 4 pCi/L – Take action to reduce radon within a few years
- 4 to 8 pCi/L – Schedule radon reduction within several months
- Above 8 pCi/L – Act quickly to lower radon levels for better health protection
The higher your home’s radon level, the sooner you should take steps to mitigate risks through radon reduction systems. Any amount of radon carries some degree of health risk over a lifetime. Don’t wait to address high levels threatening you and your family’s safety in your Lewiston home.
How to Reduce High Radon Levels
The most effective way to lower radon in your home is through an active soil depressurization system. This involves installing plastic vent pipes with an in-line fan that pulls radon from under the foundation before it enters the home. The gasses are then vented above the roof where they quickly dilute. A qualified radon mitigation contractor can design the ideal system for your home. Radon reduction system installation costs average $1,200 to $2,500. This small investment provides huge health dividends by reducing lung cancer risks for you and your loved ones.
Take Control with Radon Testing
Don’t gamble with your family’s health and safety. Protect your most valuable investment and take control over your indoor air quality by testing your Lewiston home for radon today. Contact a certified professional for prompt Radon Testing in Lewiston Maine if your do-it-yourself kit returns levels of 4 pCi/L or greater. A small investment in radon testing and mitigation goes a long way to provide peace of mind and better lung health.
