Remote Working and The Dangers of Increased Radon Exposure

Increased time at home can raise exposure to radon.

The past year has been hard on all of us for many different reasons. One of the biggest reasons is COVID-19. It’s locked us away in our homes for months, including some businesses operating strictly on a work from home basis. Now, our days are mostly spent inside. Experts say that we are in our home on average 70% in a normal week. We must protect ourselves and our family by keeping the home healthy. As of December 21, 2020, 41.8% of the American workforce continues to work remotely. 22% of the workforce will be working remotely by 2025.

Millions of people are being forced to stay home, and while this may seem like the healthier, safer option, it may be hurting your health in the long run. Why? Because of Radon Gas. Staying indoors can increase your exposure to high radon levels and since January is Radon Action Month, this is the perfect time to get your house tested!

How Can I Tell if I’m Living with Radon?

Families being stuck at home can increase the radon exposure indoors.

For months now, we have been struggling to stay sane while trapped inside our homes. Even young kids are practically homeschooled while talking to a computer screen. There are too many things to worry about, and the health of your home should not be on that list.

Radon is an invisible, tasteless, scentless, radioactive gas. This natural gas comes from the uranium in soil, rock, and water and gets into the air we breathe. It can get into the house through the cracks/holes in the foundation. Once the radon gas has entered the home, it can get trapped. When inhaled, you have a higher risk of developing serious health problems, the worst of them being lung cancer.

Radon is measured in units called picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Any house that has a radon test level higher than 4 pCi/L should go through radon mitigation to reduce radon levels. 1/15 homes in the US are estimated to have elevated radon levels. Testing for radon is the only way to truly know your home’s radon levels. Luckily, the tests are not hard to get.

What Are the Types of Radon Testing Devices?

There are two types of radon devices used for testing: passive and active devices. Some of these methods can prevent radon gas from entering the home.

1. Passive devices: operate without power. These tests may be cheaper, but the results aren’t always accurate and may lengthen your time to take action. These devices are exposed to air and the results will be sent to the lab. Since the test has to travel to the lab, the results may take a while to come in. The following passive devices are available in hardware and drug stores.
• Charcoal Canisters
• Alpha-track detectors
• Charcoal liquid scintillation
• Electret ion chamber
2. Active devices: include continuous radon mitigation monitors and continuous working level monitors. They regularly measure and record the amount of radon. They may be more expensive, but the results are more reliable. Short term testing takes 2-90 days and long term takes more than 90 days. It’s important to keep in mind that if not done correctly, the levels could increase. Testing should be done every two years according to the EPA. Your home can develop new cracks in the foundation, which is a pathway for radon to enter. Your local radon mitigation contractor can help guide you the right way.

National Radon Defense strongly believes that professional radon tests are faster and more accurate than Do It Yourself Kits. That is why we’ve dedicated our time to offering trusted radon solutions for all types of homes.

How Can I Take Action?

The more time we spend at home, the higher the exposure to radon gas will be. As scary as this subject is, there are different solutions for you. For starters, you can open windows and use fans/vents to circulate air to temporarily release high levels of radon gas. The best long-term solution though is hiring a professional radon testing & mitigation contractor to assist with the removal of hazardous radon levels. Expert testing and assistance will ensure accurate results to help keep your mind at ease during these trying times.

We understand radon is not the first thing you think about when you wake up in the morning, but we are here to help eliminate the worry of radon in your home. National Radon Defense has radon mitigation contractors across the US and Canada that can help come up with radon mitigation solutions for your home. This January, we want to make sure you’re starting your new year off right with a healthier home, so why wait? Get your no-obligation, no cost-free estimate today!