mold testing
mold testing
mold testing
mold testing
is what american environmental does.
mold test
mold test
mold test
mold test is what american environmental does.
asbestos detection
asbestos detection
asbestos detection
asbestos detection
is what american environmental does.
water damage
water damage
water damage
water damage
is what american environmental does and what AEG specializes in.
RADON
What is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is generated from the decay of radium, which is a radioactive product of decaying uranium. Because radon cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled, special instruments are necessary for its detection. The unit of measurement for radon is pico curies per liter of air (pCi/1).
Why is radon a concern - why have your home tested
To determine how radon is in your home. This colorless, odorless radioactive gas may be present in high concentrations. You won't know the radon level in your home unless you test for it.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after smoking. "Inhaling radon gas is the number one health risk in the home; above falling, poisoning, fire and burns and second-hand smoke"
The history of radon began in the 1400s when many miners died of an "unknown" lung disease. It wasn't until the 1980s that radon in building became a concern.
How does radon get indoors?
Uranium, which releases radon, is commonplace in the earth's crust. The geographic area in which you live may affect the potential for a radon problem, especially if your home was built on granite, shale, or soil containing high levels of phosphate and pitchblende. Rock and soil conditions are primarily responsible for the nation's radon problem. The radon gas percolates up through porous soils under the home or building and enters through gaps and cracks in the foundation or in the insulation, or through pipes, sumps, drains, walls or other openings.
Water is another possible pathway for bringing radon into the home. Water in contact with rock containing uranium absorbs the radon gas. The radon in such water is then carried into the home and released into the air when used in a household dishwasher, tap, shower, or washing machine. Water -related radon problems usually involve deep private wells rather than community water supplies.
Note that radon is not a problem outdoors because outdoor air quickly dilutes it to low levels.
How can radon be measured?
The level of radon in a house can be measured by an AEG professional with the use of several types of passive radon detectors. Radon is always present in low concentrations in homes and buildings but it should not exceed 4 pC/1 of air. Passive detectors are devised left in place for a period of time, requiring no ongoing activity or power.
If test results reveal high levels, homeowners can contact liscensed professionals to reduce the radon levels.
