Radon levels and testing

Throughout our lives we are constantly exposed to a variety of different chemicals and toxins on a daily basis. Most of which we are not even aware of. Of these toxins present in the atmosphere none are more discreet or dangerous as the noble gas element known as radon. Radon which comes from radium is a radioactive element that naturally occurs in nature.  The reason as to why it is so dangerous is due to its radioactivity. That as well as the fact that it is an odorless, colorless gas that when exposed to people goes unnoticed until the levels of radiation keep dangerously high and damaging to the health of a person. The average national indoor rating for radon in the United States is roughly 1.3 pCi/l. However in Athens County the average levels are much higher than the nation average coming in at over 5 pCi/l with the levels being this high one should look into reducing these dangerous levels of radon through a system called radon mitigation. Mitigation of radon in the air is accomplished through ventilation, either collected below a concrete floor slab or membrane on the ground, or by increasing the air changes per hour in the building. Treatment systems using aeration or activated charcoal are available to remove radon from domestic water supplies.  Before you go out and buy yourself a radon mitigation system you should first consult a licensed contractor who know how to correctly monitor radon levels in the home or place of work to keep yourself and your employees safe from radon exposure because remember it is very hard to detect radon without the proper utensils and equipment specifically designed to test for radon in the home. If one suspects a concentrated level of radon in their home they should call for help immediately to keep exposure levels low.