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Home owners are always hearing about different tests that they need to do, such as radon testing. Since the effects of radon aren’t usually immediately obvious, some might be tempted to write this one off as unnecessary. However, it is a vital part of any home owner’s checklist. Here are a few things to know first. The Danger of Radon Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is both colorless and odorless. These two properties make it more difficult to detect than many other home dangers. Radon is produced as radioactive elements like uranium decay, releasing this gas into rock and soil. From there, it can move into the air or the water, impacting the indoor air quality or water supply of any homes in the area, putting those building and their inhabitants at risk. One of the most common side effects of radon exposure is lung cancer. While cigarette smoking is still the most common cause of lung cancer in the United States, breathing in radon is the second most common cause. Studies done by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Surgeon General’s office have indicated that about 20,000 people die every year from radon-induced lung cancer. Radon in the water, while not as common as radon in the air, can also be hazardous to human health. Drinking radon-tainted water raises the risk of developing cancer in various internal organs, especially the stomach. Radon Testing Since it is impossible to see or smell radon, the only way to find it is to test for it, both in the air and water. The federal government does not enforce any standard for the presence of radon in drinking water, so it is up to individual families to take care of this problem for themselves. The EPA is currently encouraging regulation, but with no effect so far. People who get water from a surface water source should be safe, since radon comes from underground, but those who get it use ground water sources should call their water systems to request radon testing. Homeowners with a private well can call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) for phone numbers to their local certification offices. As far as air quality goes, there are two ways to test. Either the homeowner can buy a home kit and mail away the results for analysis or he can hire a qualified radon measurement professional. Most people prefer to hire professionals so that they don’t have to worry about whether or not they performed the test correctly, but home kits are still an attractive option for many people. Radon Mitigation There are a few options for people who need radon mitigation in Maine. Those treating their private wells will likely use a point-of-entry treatment, which means removing the radon from the water before it gets to their homes. For this, they can either use granular activated carbon (GAC) filters or aeration devices to remove the radon. GAC filters, while less expensive, require special handling for safety reasons, so the homeowner will have to consider this when making his choice. Anyone who wants more information on this, or who wants to find certified professionals to deal with the radon in his air, will be best served by calling the state’s Radiation Control Program. For information on radon mitigation in Maine, the home owner can call their toll-free line at 1-800-232-0842. This agency can help home owners find contractors registered to provide radon air treatment. It is very important that anyone treating radon should be certified as proficient by an accredited agency so that his customers can be assured of his knowledge and experience. More importantly, according to Maine law, anyone who does electrical or plumbing work on a radon system must be licensed. A & B Water Consultants If the groundwater in your home is contaminated with Radon, then A & B Water Consultants is the right choice, if you wish to get radon water treatment for Visit our page on http://www.fixyourwater.com to see our page today!
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