WORK FROM HOME SET-UP / REMOTE WORK AND THE DANGERS OF INCREASED RADON EXPOSURE

It all started in the year 2020 and the previous years of adjustment has been hard on all of us for many different reasons. One of the biggest reasons was 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% of the day in a normal week. We must protect ourselves and our family by keeping the home healthy. As of the year 2023, 41.8% of the American workforce continues to work remotely. Predicting the exact percentage of the workforce working remotely by 2030 is challenging due to various factors like technological advancements, economic fluctuations, and evolving work cultures. The rise of remote work is undeniable. Estimates suggest that by 2030, 25-30% to 50% of the workforce could be working remotely, spending more time indoors [Source: https://www.apollotechnical.com/how-to-make-sure-your-employees-are-well-trained-for-their-positions/]. This increased time at home highlights the importance of radon testing and mitigation. Radon is a silent, odorless gas that can seep into your home and pose serious health risks, including lung cancer. Testing your home for radon and installing a mitigation system, if necessary, can help protect yourself and your family from this invisible threat.

 

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

Since the pandemic, we have been struggling to stay sane while trapped inside our homes. Even some kids decided to stay homeschooled - talking to a computer screen. Whether you work in basement, closet, utility room, guest room or at your local café… There are too many things to worry about, and the health of your home should not be on that list.

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. A simple symptom could also be a sign. 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.

Testing Your Home for Radon: A Crucial Step

The only way to know if your home has elevated radon levels is to test for it. There are two main types of radon tests available:

Short-term tests: These tests are typically inexpensive and provide results within a few days. However, they may not be as accurate as long-term tests.
Long-term tests: These tests are more expensive but provide a more accurate picture of your home's average radon level over time. They are typically left in place for several months.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends testing your home for radon every two years, especially if you have a basement or live in an area with high radon levels.

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.

 

Passive devices: operate without power. These tests may be cheaper, but the results aren’t always accurate and may lengthen your time to act. These devices are exposed to air and the results will be sent to the lab. Since the test must 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

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 (DIY) Kits. That is why we’ve dedicated our time to offering trusted radon solutions for all types of homes.

 

Taking Action to Reduce Radon Levels

 

If your home's radon level is above the EPA's recommended action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), it's important to take steps to reduce it. Several radon mitigation methods are available, such as:

 

Sub-slab depressurization (SSD): This is the most effective radon mitigation system. It involves installing a pipe system beneath the foundation of your home that draws radon gas out and vents it safely outdoors.

Sealing foundation cracks and gaps: Sealing cracks and gaps in your foundation, basement walls, and floors can help prevent radon from entering your home.

Improving ventilation: Increasing ventilation in your home can help to reduce radon levels. This can be done by opening windows and doors regularly or installing a radon-specific ventilation system.

Call a radon professional: National Radon Defense is known for its quality service and proven radon mitigation systems. The best way is for you to contact a local NRD dealer in your area.

How Can I Act?

 

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 & a NRD 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.

 

Radon is a serious health hazard that can impact anyone, don’t forget the people who you also stay at home with. By understanding the risks, testing your home for radon, and taking steps to mitigate it, you can protect yourself and your family from this invisible threat.

 

 

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 produce radon mitigation solutions for your home.
 
Make your hard-earned money worthwhile. Why wait? Get your no-obligation, no cost-free estimate today!