Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Radon Mitigation In Florida Is A Necessary Service To Many Homeowners

By Cornelia Reyes


Radon is an element that contains a substance called radium, which is a potentially deadly gas. It is hazardous to both animals and humans, and seeps out from the Earth's crust into the atmosphere. This is not usually an issue in open spaces, but the substance must be eradicated if found in one's home in order to prevent harm to its residents. This is why radon mitigation in Florida is an essential task if the element is discovered.

The substance has recently become the second leading cause of lung cancer in the Western world. As one would suspect, smoking cigarettes is the primary cause of lung cancer. When a person is inhaling cigarette smoke, he or she usually knows that this is taking place. The aforementioned element, however, does not have any odor and it is invisible, which allows individuals to inhale it without their knowledge.

The EPA has determined what is a safe and unsafe level of radium. Additionally, tests are available that can be used to determine if a dwelling is contaminated with the substance. Testing kits can be purchased by property owners, but a wiser option for most people is professional testing. This is due to the fact that kits designed for use by consumers are not foolproof, and no one is typically on the scene to ensure that the property owner is using the kit appropriately.

If mitigation is deemed necessary, the task can be completed in one of two ways: both active and passive mitigation are options. One should get recommendations from the company that conducted the initial screening with regard to which option is best.

Passive mitigation merely refers to sealing the home and preventing the aforementioned element from gaining access to the dwelling. However, passive mitigation is usually not recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency. This is due to the fact that in and of itself, this type of mitigation may not sufficiently lower radium levels to a safe point. In certain cases, however, passive procedures are utilized, such as when a home is just on the border between safe and unsafe.

The more common radium removal system is sub slab ventilation. This is typically recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency, as it not only seals areas of the home where radium may enter, but also treats the contaminated air and releases it back into the atmosphere where it can do no damage. Most companies that install such systems guarantee that the radon levels in the home will reach the safety zone once the device is put in place.

There are numerous symptoms of radium toxicity. However, many of them mimic other conditions, and therefore the aforementioned toxicity often goes undiagnosed. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, wheezing, labored breathing, and confusion. Studies are now underway to determine whether or not radium exposure may also lead to ulcers or other gastrointestinal problems.

As mentioned above, those who believe the substance may be present in their dwelling should seek radon mitigation in Florida. Although home kits can be purchased, it is usually better to forfeit such testing methods in lieu of the services of a professional company. Those who think this element may be present in their home should contact a radium removal company at once.




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