If you’re hoping to make your California home or office a safer place, consider hiring a certified radon tester for Radon Action Week. Originally designed to raise awareness about a common public health hazard, Radon Action Week takes place annually during the third week of October.
At Benchmark Environmental Engineering, we offer professional radon testing and environmental consulting services for various toxic air pollutants that may be endangering your health.
What Causes Radon Exposure?
Radon is a radioactive gas that is produced by uranium as it decays. It occurs in the soil in areas with natural uranium deposits, and it can seep into buildings via cracks in the floors and walls, construction joints, and other empty spaces. Despite being invisible, odorless, and tasteless, it can be incredibly harmful to human health.
Places Radon Can Get In Through
- Construction Joints
- Cracks In The Foundation Or Floor
- Spaces Under Suspended Floors
- Gaps Near Gas & Water Pipes
- Hollow Spaces & Cracks In Walls
- The Local Water Supply
Health Effects Of Radioactive Gas Exposure
Long-term exposure to radon can cause radioactive particles to become embedded in your lungs, which can lead to tissue damage and even cancer. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer and is estimated to cause 15,000 to 22,000 deaths per year in the United States alone!
How To Reduce Radon Exposure
- Check for cracks in your walls, floor, and foundation, and repair them if necessary.
- Hire a government-certified radon testing service on a regular basis.
- Install a radon mitigation system with a built-in monitor.
- After installation, keep your mitigation system’s fan running at all times.
- If you have a heat recovery ventilation system, change the filters twice a year.
What Can I Do If I’m Being Exposed?
If your home or office tests high for radon, you may want to consider hiring a radon mitigation professional to perform home repairs and install a removal system, which will likely come with a built-in monitor to ensure that everything is working properly.
After the installation, it’s best to schedule another test in order to keep the levels low. The EPA recommends testing your building every two years to ensure continued safety.
Professional Radon Testing In California
If you’re worried about being exposed to radioactive gases in your San Jose area home or office, let the certified inspectors at Benchmark Environmental Engineering help you. Our environmental consulting experts can come directly to your property and test the air quality so that you can make an informed decision about what to do next.
Don’t let hazardous air pollutants continue to pose a threat to your health—contact us today for a comprehensive air quality test today.