Healthy Habits - Radon in Homes

 

I recently had a chance interview radon expert Insoo Park, Founder & CEO at Ecosense Inc., about radon mitigation solutions for homes this winter.

1. How prevalent is radon in homes?

Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, can permeate homes irrespective of construction methods, age, presence of basements, or insulation. It is widespread, with prevalence extending across various home types. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), approximately 1 in 15 U.S. homes has elevated radon levels. However, some states, like Utah, report even higher statistics, with 1 in 3 homes affected. The only reliable method to determine radon levels in your home is through radon testing. Continuous radon monitoring is crucial throughout the year, as prolonged exposure to radon carries health risks, including lung cancer and associated issues. Regular monitoring is essential to ensure a safe living environment.

2. Why is it important for homeowners to be aware of radon levels and potential issues?

Homeowners must be aware of radon levels and potential issues due to the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to this radioactive gas. Radon is odorless, tasteless, and colorless, making it undetectable by human senses - therefore testing is the only way to find out your radon levels. Elevated radon levels indoors can significantly increase the risk of lung cancer, particularly among non-smokers. As radon seeps into homes through the ground, awareness allows homeowners to take preventive measures, such as radon mitigation systems, to reduce concentrations and create a safer living environment. Regular monitoring and testing are essential even post-mitigation to identify and address radon-related concerns promptly, ultimately safeguarding the well-being of individuals residing in the home.

3. What are some different types of radon mitigation options?

While some radon mitigation techniques are best handled by professional radon mitigators, there are several actions homeowners can take on their own to reduce radon levels: 

• Increase airflow in your home by regularly opening windows and doors. This helps in diluting radon concentrations.

• Placing fans strategically in the basement or crawlspace can enhance air circulation and reduce radon levels.

Monitor Radon: Keep monitoring your radon levels to see how your actions impact the levels. If levels are high and your DIY mitigations didn’t change the level consulting with a certified radon mitigation professional is the best option.

4. What factors should people consider when deciding on the right radon mitigation for their home?

Finding a reliable professional to mitigate radon, and testing levels before and after mitigation. Regularly monitor levels to ensure the mitigation system impact and your home safety.

Based in the heart of Silicon Valley, Ecosense is a leader and trusted provider of radon-detecting and monitoring solutions that are easy to use, accurate, and fast.  The company's smart real-time radon detectors utilize a patented detection technology with a high-accuracy performance, which delivers results in minutes, not days. The EcoQube was named one of the Top 100 Inventions of 2021 by TIME and is available for purchase on Amazon. Ecosense’s patented ion chamber technology performance has received independent validation from the University of Michigan (Dept. of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Science) and the Kansas State University Radon Chamber.  Both studies concluded that Ecosense’s patented technology performed comparably to premium research-grade detectors.