How to Vent Radon
Radon is an odorless, colorless gas that can come into your home through the natural breakdown of uranium in the soil. It is harmful to all living organisms it comes in contact with, including human beings. It can cause cancer and is, in fact, the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Its presence is so common in homes that it must not be ignored. But as long as you catch the presence of radon early on, you can remove the gas and avoid all of the harmful side-effects. Only professionals should install long-term systems to vent radon, but you can do some venting yourself with the correct tools and appropriate training. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
If you have discovered that your home has high radon levels, consult your nearest U.S. Environmental Protection Agency office. Agency personnel can lead you to a certified contractor, or give you instructions on how to remove the gas yourself.
-
2
Open all windows, doors and vents whenever possible. This helps reduce the radon levels in your home, but it won't permanently solve the problem. Use this solution only for safety reasons, like when a contractor comes into your home to permanently solve your radon problem.
-
-
3
Seal all holes, cracks or other leaks in your home. Radon seeps from the ground into your home through these cracks, and it's important that you seal them off to prevent radon from coming in.
-
4
Install an active subslab suction system in your home. This is the most effective way of removing radon, and it involves setting up fans and pipes in the walls of your home to remove the radon and place it back into the ground. This project needs to be done by a certified radon contractor only: Do not attempt this yourself.
-
5
Use a fan to blow air to either your basement or outdoors. The fan will create a type of suction to help the radon escape your home. Think of this as an active ventilation system.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Radon is a radioactive, highly harmful gas. If it is detected in your home, seek help immediately.
References
- Photo Credit home sweeet home image by .shock from Fotolia.com
