Radon poses a serious threat to many homeowners, and they may not even be aware of the danger they’re in. Known as a silent killer, radon gas can infiltrate a home and settle there, ready to be breathed in by the residents. Over several years of inhalation, radon may lead to lung cancer—it’s the second most common cause of the disease, right after smoking. Homeowners should test for radon and take steps to lower the chances of the gas staking a claim there before putting their properties on the market. Following this ultimate radon reduction guide for homeowners will ensure your home is largely free of the threat of radon.

Radon Testing

First off, you’ll never know if radon is a threat until you test for it. Odorless, invisible, and tasteless, radon enters a home through the foundation and accumulates—the residents being none the wiser. Pick up a radon testing kit at the hardware store or online. Follow the directions, and mail the collected information to the lab after the test runs its course.

For a more accurate measurement, hire a professional radon technician to come to your home and conduct a test. They’ll complete the readings, take samples, and submit a detailed report on the presence and level of radon in your home. If the radon level exceeds four picocuries per liter (pCi/L), you must take steps immediately to disperse the radon.

Radon Mitigation Methods

Many new homes already have radon mitigation systems set up to redirect radon into the air outside. If your home doesn’t already have a mitigation system, here’s what you can do.

Sealing Cracks and Other Openings

Radon gas usually enters the home through the basement or lowest level through cracks, holes, and other openings in the foundation and floor. Sealing these spaces with silicon-based caulk and other concrete sealants won’t stop all the radon, but it will certainly cut down the number of ways it can get in. Look for cracks, spaces around utility pipes, and gaps around the edge of the sump pit and floor drains.

Improve Ventilation

Basements don’t get much fresh air, so try to open the basement/egress windows, if possible, to let in some air. Encourage better ventilation through the whole house by opening windows and setting up fans, redirecting fresh air to the basement. While air purifiers can’t stop radon ingress, they will improve the air quality down there. Of course, ventilation is just a temporary measure against radon, but it doesn’t hurt!

Install a Radon Mitigation System

Coming back to radon mitigation systems, high levels of radon demand you to install them. Multiple radon mitigation systems are available, and the standard design involves a pipe entering the ground beneath a home to disperse the radon into the outside air near the roof. Some are passive and allow it to rise naturally, while others use fans to pull the radon up and out. A radon technician will suggest these and other options for radon mitigation. Installing a radon mitigation system can raise a home’s value, so don’t pass up on this!

Brief as it is, that’s your ultimate radon reduction guide for homeowners! The potential for radon poisoning is a serious health issue, so take it seriously.