Top five tips for reducing Radon

Measuring radon levels in the home is vital. Radon is an odorless, colorless radioactive gas that is harmful to people of they are exposed to high doses over a long period of time. The EPA, WHO, and the American Cancer Society recommend testing for radon and of course, we do too. But what next? The key is to measure continuously over time, as radon levels fluctuate constantly due to weather changes and seasonality.

Airthings has compiled our top 5 easy tips for reducing the radon levels indoors. Long-term radon detectors are great as you can continue to monitor the levels and check that levels are reduced sufficiently.

Five easy ways to reduce radon:

1. Ventilation
   

   If radon levels are low, you can likely reduce it further by increasing ventilation. Try opening windows and doors or open vents to ensure air is flowing throughout the house. Monitor levels after this to see if radon has reduced.

2. Sealing access points

   Draft excluders and rubber seals are an inexpensive way to seal around doors and other access points in a building. This can be beneficial if the aim is to reduce radon levels in basements. Ask your local DIY store for sealant recommendations.

3. Caulking

   Using caulking products will enable you to seal entry points in floors and walls of the home. 

4. Clear natural underfloor ventilation

   Homes with a suspended ground floor and space underneath often have underfloor vents. Oftentimes these can become blocked with foliage or dirt, clear the obstruction to improve the ventilation. Please note, some are intentionally blocked to prevent drafts, so speak to a professional if you are unsure.

5. Sealing cracks
   

   Radon often enters buildings through the ground. Sealing large cracks and openings in any home is good for energy consumption and can also help with radon. Radon is a gas, so it can still enter through smaller cracks, but as with anything, large entry points are unhelpful. There are numerous professionals that can help with this process too.

You’ll notice a key theme here; ventilate, ventilate, ventilate! As radon is an odorless, colorless gas in the air all around us, it’s impossible to avoid. Our 5 tips should help get you started; it is important to continue measuring to be sure these actions are making an impact.

Radon is dangerous and should be taken seriously. These tips can help lower radon levels but should not replace professional help. If your radon levels are in the high range for more than a month, contact a professional. The EPA offers suggestions on choosing a radon mitigator and WHO provides information on radon action levels. Through sufficient ventilation or radon mitigation, you can help to ensure that dangerous levels do not collect inside.

Sources:

• www.ukradon.org/information

• www.epa.gov/radon

• ncceh.ca/

• www.cancer.org/

• www.radonseal.com/radon-mitigation.htm

• https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/44149/9789241547673_eng.pdf?sequence=1