How2Day: Checking and Reducing Radon Levels in the Basement

Radon can build up in poorly ventilated areas of your home. house image by Cora Reed from Fotolia.com
Radon is a radioactive gas formed from the breakdown of uranium. It can leach into the soil, water and rocks surrounding your home, and then enter your home through the foundation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, massive quantities of radon can accumulate in confined spaces, reaching harmful levels. The health effects of radon can be potentially dangerous to your family, increasing your chances of developing lung cancer with long-term exposure.

Levels of radon within your basement are measured in picocuries. Equal to one trillionth of a curie, a picocurie is a measurement of radioactive decay. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that home radon levels higher than 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) should be fixed. Even levels below 4 pCi/L should be reduced to minimize the risk of exposure to your family.

Many home improvement stores sell radon testing kits to determine the amount of radon within your basement. Place the kit 20 inches from the basement floor, away from drafts and in a place where it won't be disturbed. Follow the kit's instructions on how long to conduct the test. Once the test is complete, seal it in the kit's package and mail the package to the specified lab for results.

The EPA indicates that installing a vent pipe system and fan can help reduce radon levels. Suction pipes are inserted underneath the slab of your basement; a fan then draws up the radon from beneath the basement and vents the gas outdoors. If installers find foundation cracks and openings in the basement, those may be sealed as well; sealing is a way of preventing the gas from entering your home.

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