There are many ways in which parents make sure their home is safe for their children, whether that is putting special locks on doors that house cleaning products or baby-proofing corners on tables and furniture that would otherwise bruise them as they stumble around. It only makes sense to try and protect them when they are so young and vulnerable to physical harm, but what you may not know is that there is another, virtually unseen danger that you also need to be wary of. Here are a few reasons why you need to get radon testing done for your family home.
What Is Radon?
While it may sound like something out of a science fiction movie, radon is in fact nothing more than a chemical element that is primarily made by uranium growing old and decaying. This uranium is far beneath the surface of the earth, but because the radon gas is so light, it fights to find a way to the surface and exit through loose dirt and rocks. It doesn't take a lot of uranium to create quite a constant flow of radon, so if your home is built near a deeply buried uranium deposit, then you might be in danger and not even realize it.
How Dangerous Is It?
Radon is quite toxic to humans and can cause a lot of different illnesses, none of which are to be taken lightly. Cancer is very possible from radon exposure, as well as a host of other issues that are just as nasty. The main reason why it is so deadly, however, is it is completely invisible to human senses alone. You cannot smell it, see it, taste it or feel it. That is why you need specific radon testing done in your home to find out whether or not this is an issue for you and your family.
There Are Solutions
The good news is that even if you do have radon in your home, there are solutions that can fix it. One of the most common methods is simply installing a vent and fan in your basement area that redirects the air in your lower level to somewhere safe, such as above your house. These look like miniature chimneys and you may have even seen them on other houses and wondered what they are. It is just important that you know what the risks of radon are so you can combat them, and the only way to do that is with radon testing.
For more information, contact a local company that does radon testing.
