Radon Gas and Testing

• Because of its radioactive properties, the inhalation of large quantities of radon gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Radon gas is invisible and scentless, so determining the amount of radon present in your home requires the use of test kits. These kits come in two varieties -- the passive kit, which requires no power source, and electronic detectors. Electronic detectors provide the added benefit of allowing homeowners to continually monitor radon levels. Though the ultimate goal of home radon removal is to have no more radon in your home than is present outside (approximately 0.4 pCi/L), the EPA recommends taking radon removal measures if your radon levels are above 4 pCi/L.
  
  

Foundation Reduction

• Radon gas infiltration is largely caused by the vacuum effect of the low air pressure inside your home drawing radon in through cracks in the foundation. Foundation reduction of radon is the primary method for removing this dangerous gas from your home as it both draws the radon beneath your foundation away and reduces the vacuum effect caused by air pressure. These systems vary based on the type of foundation your home has, but most are a series of tubes and fans installed between floor slabs and the ground underneath your home by a professional contractor.
  
  

Sealing

• Sealing cracks in your foundation is one of the easiest and most common-sense ways to remove dangerous radon gases from your home. Cracks in your foundation are generally sealed using a low-pressure crack injection kit, which inserts an expanding polyurethane polymer into the fissure. Sealing cracks helps reduce radon by preventing its entry into your home. Generally, foundation sealing is best accompanied by other radon removal techniques, as the natural settling of your house can cause additional cracks, and identifying the radon-leaking cracks can be difficult.
  
  

Ventilation

• Ventilation can be used in two ways to remove radon gas. By placing fans that blow outside air into areas near the foundation of your home -- for instance, in the basement or crawl space -- you can adjust the lower air pressure inside your home to reduce the vacuum effect bringing radon into your home. When using this method it is important to not open windows or doors to the outside for extended periods of time. Additionally, heat recovery ventilators heat or cool outdoor air to room temperature and can be used to assist in basement or lower level ventilation, thus reducing radon levels.