Roughly one in five homes in the United States has detectable levels of naturally occurring radiation from the radioactive breakdown products of uranium and radium. These naturally occurring radioactive materials are called “radon” and are present in soil, rock, and water. The primary source of indoor radon exposure in homes is from the soil surrounding the foundation of your home. If you have ever smelled “radon” in your home, it is likely that it is coming from the soil under your house. You can find out more about how to test for and reduce the risk of indoor radon at home with these helpful tips.

Test for Radon in Your Home

The first step in reducing the risk of indoor radon exposure is to test for its presence in your home. There are several ways to test for indoor radon, but the most accurate method is a long-term test that is left in one location for a period of several weeks. This long-term test is best done by a professional, but you can purchase a short-term test kit that is used in a different way to detect short-term changes in indoor air quality that can be caused by increased levels of indoor radon.Once you know if you have high levels of indoor radon, you can take steps to reduce exposure. There are several things you can do to reduce the risk of indoor radon exposure:

  • Change your soil. Since indoor radon comes from the soil under your house, one of the best ways to reduce your risk of indoor radon exposure is to change the soil under your house. You can do this by adding new soil, or by removing soil that is too close to the foundation of your home. You can also change the pH of the soil under your house to reduce indoor radon levels.

  • Install a fan. One of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce indoor radon levels is to install a fan in your home. Fans can reduce the indoor air flow, which can help to trap the radioactive material in your home and prevent it from being released into the air.

  • Change the air flow in your home. One of the easiest ways to reduce indoor radon levels is to change the air flow in your home. You can do this by changing the location of doors, windows, and vents in your home. You can also add a fan to an air duct to increase the flow of air through your home.

  • Air filter. You can also install an air filter in your central air conditioning system to trap indoor radon. This is one of the best ways to reduce indoor radon levels.

Conclusion

When it comes to indoor air quality, there are few risks as serious as indoor radon exposure. If you have a home with elevated levels of indoor radon, you should take steps to reduce your exposure as soon as possible. With the right techniques, you can significantly reduce the risk of indoor radon exposure and protect yourself and your family.

Frequently Asked Question

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