Readers ask: Does My Basement Have Radon?

The main reason for high levels of radon in basements is because the basement is below ground level and invariably some areas will come into contact with soil which allows the gas to permeate into the basement. The concrete foundation of the basement will also allow radon to enter the building.

How do I know if I have radon in my basement?

The only way you can tell that you might have radon in your house is looking for the entryways. Finding cracks in your floor or walls might mean radon has made its way into your home, but there’s still no way to know for sure.

Does every basement have radon?

Radon gas is present in every home in varying levels and it is nearly impossible to have a radon level of 0. However, there are things you can do to lower your radon levels.

What are the symptoms of radon in your home?

A persistent cough could be a sign that you have radon poisoning.

• Persistent cough.
• Hoarseness.
• Wheezing.
• Shortness of breath.
• Coughing up blood.
• Chest pain.
• Frequent infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.
• Loss of appetite.

Do finished basements have radon?

It’s found naturally in the ground and is present in many homes, but it is a concern when levels get too high. One way radon can seep into the home is through cracks in the basement concrete. To help mitigate radon emissions, the first thing to do when finishing your basement is seal any cracks in the concrete.

Can I test for radon myself?

You can do it yourself or hire someone to do it for you. from a hardware store. Or you can order one by calling 1-800-SOS-RADON (1-800-767-7236) or going to the National Radon Program Services website (http://sosradon.org/test-kits). Set up the testing device to check the air for radon.

Is it OK to live in a house with radon?

The EPA states, “Radon is a health hazard with a simple solution.” Once radon reduction measures are in place, home buyers need not worry about the quality of the air in the home. Since removing radon is relatively simple, your family will be safe in a home with a radon reduction system in place.

Should I test my basement for radon?

Testing is the only way to find out your home’s radon levels. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. If you find that you have high radon levels, there are ways to fix a radon problem. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels.

How do I get rid of radon in my basement?

There’s no single method that fits all radon removal system needs. Common techniques include: Sub-slab depressurization, where suction pipes are inserted through the floor or concrete slab into the concrete slab below the home. A radon vent fan then draws out the radon gas and releases it into the air outside.

Will opening basement windows reduce radon?

Opening windows improves air circulation and ventilation, helping move radon out of the house and mixing radon-free outside air with indoor air. Make sure all your basement windows are open. Opening basement windows helps reduce negative air pressure, diluting radon with clean outdoor air.

Where is radon most commonly found?

Radon levels are usually higher in basements, cellars and living spaces in contact with the ground. However, considerable radon concentration can also be found above the ground floor.

Is a radon detector necessary?

Yes! According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), naturally occurring radon causes more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. alone – second only to cigarette smoking in the list of causes of lung cancer.

Can you feel radon?

What Is Radon? adon is a radioactive gas you can’t see, feel, taste, or smell. It starts out as uranium, a heavy metal found in the ground and most rocks on the planet.

Can radon enter concrete?

Radon, soil gasses, and water vapor will easily pass through any openings, cracks, gaps, drains, or thin concrete (rat slabs) in the basement.

Does sealing a basement floor reduce radon?

Sealing the basement floor can help reduce the amount of radon entering the home. But just sealing the cracks would be unlikely to reduce those amounts in the long term. Sealing all cracks and applying non-porous, thick epoxy coatings (over 10 MILS dry film thickness) would be a better step.