Thursday, April 16, 2015

Understanding Radon And The Basic Radon Testing

By Joanna Walsh


Prioritizing the common good also means protecting the environment as this will ensure good health. Citizens are expected to participate in the environmental protection program of the Environmental Protection Agency of the federal government. Keeping the environment safe is also ensuring health safety.

Radon is one of the environmental issues that need to be addressed since it can cause lung cancer. That is why the government requires radon testing in households. This is relatively easy and is very affordable. All households must undergo this kind of procedure so that they are assured that they are free from this type of hazard.

Over twenty one thousand deaths are associated to lung cancer caused by radon. It is actually an invisible gas and you cannot smell it which is ultimately the reason why it is very difficult to detect. Experts say that the leading cause of lung cancer is smoking and this is the second. Chances are, if you are a smoker and there are high amounts of radon that surround your house, it will double the jeopardy of getting the disease.

This comes out from uranium breakdown in rock, water, and soil. It is a phenomenon that happens naturally. It is a natural radioactive compound and can be breathed in without you being aware of it. This is everywhere in the states including Des Moines, IA. Nobody is exempted, including children and non smokers.

Tests are usually done in order to see if there are high levels of the gas in the building, house, or schools. Advanced devices have been invented and used in order to aid in the detection and testing process. The tests are classified into two, short term and long term. In addition, you can either do this by yourself or with your family and you can also do this with the help of experts for better and more reliable results.

Reduction systems are one of the ways in which the detection is done. This comes with the solutions to decrease levels from as high as ninety nine to an acceptable percentage. These days, houses that are constructed are being installed with the latest detection and resistant tools to ensure safety.

However, the EPA still wants these residences, old or new, to undergo the process of testing. This is done after a couple of years, especially when the house or building accumulates cracks and leaks. The test is low cost do you do not have to worry much about the payment.

If you wish to know more information about this, there are so many references in the internet. The most reliable ones are found in the website of the US Environmental Protection Agency or USEPA website. But for an overview, this radioactive gas gets into the house or buildings through cracks, building joints, water pipes and supplies, floor gaps, and wall cavities.

The USEPA recommends three easy steps that you need to follow. Taking a short term test, followed by a long term test, and finally, get your home fixed if there are very high percentages of the presence of these hazardous naturally formed radioactive gas. These steps are crucial for your safety and your whole family.




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