Is Your Property Safe from Radon Gas?
When you buy a home, one of the first things which must be carried out is the home survey. Lots of things are checked for including asbestos, subsidence and termite damage for example. Checks will also be carried out to determine whether harmful chemicals like radon are present. However, sometimes checks for the presence of radon are left out. In this case it might be advisable for you to carry out checks yourself. Radon is dangerous because not only is it colorless, tasteless, and odorless but it also claims the lives of thousands around the world every year. There are however a few easy ways to check for the presence of Radon.
This short article intends to discuss the following. The different testing options accessible to you and the cost associated with them.
There are two main sorts of testing, active and passive. You can choose to purchase a radon testing kit and complete the procedure yourself, or you can hire a professional who will do it quickly and effectively.
In order to test in the passive way. Your require no access to electricity. Types of test in this passive range come in the form of charcoal detection devices and other similar devices. All that happens is that they are positioned around your home and then left for a few days before being sent off for analysis. The results will then determine what action you need to take. A charcoal test typically takes around a week. On the other hand there is another which takes a lot longer. This is the alpha-track method and can take between one and twelve months. These tests cost between ten and around forty pounds.
The active tests are vastly different from the passive versions. They do require a power source. These tests are more reliable than their charcoal counterparts in many peoples opinions since they constantly record the levels of Radon present. They constantly work to assess and record the recordings all the time. As I mentioned before, these tests are seen as largely more reliable than passive testing. They take just about the same time to complete the tests as the passive testing options. The short term testing option will be over within about 2 days. Longer term tests will obviously take slightly longer. From 1-3 months. These types of test cost anything between £70 and £90. As one would expect. Whilst the cost of the testing through using a professional may cost more, the more accurate results will be worth the extra fee.
We need to protect our homes, our lives, and our families. Taking the time needed to test for radon before there is any death or heartache should be a top priority for every household. There is a way to reduce the levels of radon found if you catch it on time.
