RADON GAS is known as the “silent killer”. According to the EPA and the World Health Organization (WHO), this odorless, invisible, tasteless gas is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and number two cause of lung cancer among smokers around the world. Radioactive particles are present all around us and never go away because it is an ongoing process in the universe. Radioactive prodigy, Radon Gas, is produced during the radioactive minerals natural decay process in soils and in the sub grade layers of the earth. The Radon Gas is pushed to the earth’s surface by the tremendous positive soil pressures below the earth’s surface. The problem arises when these particles are trapped under homes and businesses concrete foundations, basements, and in the crawlspaces of the structures and then they are introduced into the living areas of the structures. Once these microscopic particles find their way past our natural reparatory filtration system in our body, they become trapped in the lungs and that is when the damage to the sensitive lung tissues begins. Over time the scarred tissue can become mutated and form cancer cells. The EPA estimates over 21,000 lung cancer deaths occur annually from Radon Gas exposure.
VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (V.O.C.) are present in almost everything associated with our daily lives such as household cleaners, detergents, makeup products, paints, paint strippers, aerosol sprays, pesticides, disinfectants, automotive products, petroleum based products, and the list foes on. When used properly these products pose a minimal risk to the consumer.
In areas where there is ongoing oil and gas drilling VOC(s) have been encountered in structures with high levels of natural gas and methane trapped in structures as the result of the drilling process. As the sub-grade “reservoirs” containing the oil and gas deposits are depleted, by the drilling process, then the soil pressures change deep within the sub-layers of the earth creating an easy path to the surface for radioactive Radon Gas and the VOC(s). There are numerous ways the Radon Gas and VOC(s) can enter a structure such as; basement walls, crawlspaces, tightly sealed structures, cracks in the foundation, and gaps around plumbing penetrations to name a few.
TESTING Radon Gas has been found in every state in the U.S. and the EPA estimates that elevated Radon levels are present in 1 of every 15 American homes. The U.S. Surgeon General’s office recommends that all homes be tested for Radon levels. Radon Gas testing is simple economical procedure using a variety of devices (charcoal canisters, CRM, continuous Radon Monitors, Alfa Track, just to name a few). The CRM devices are the most widely used due to their accuracy and the ability to have the data on site after the minimum 48 hour test periods established by the EPA.
VOC(s) are monitored using a “multi-gas electronic monitor” showing the levels of specific elements present at the test site which determines the type of mitigation, if any, that is needed.
MITIGATION control of the Radon Gas and VOC(s) in structures below an acceptable safe level, set by the EPA, can be accomplished with simple venting systems individually designed and installed. These systems typically are very economical and trouble free producing performance levels that meet and lower to the safe levels set forth by the EPA while at the same time creating safer living environments for individuals. Mitigation systems are specifically designed, by the mitigation for each individual application using that data retrieved from the pre-mitigation diagnostics testing for each structure. Although each application is different the end goal is the same, to lower the levels below the acceptable safe level by creating an environment of “secular equilibrium”. Most mitigation firms’ offer extended warranties for the system performance and installation workmanship.
See more at the EPA Website or visit RGD.LLC
Michael Dougan is CEO for Radon Gas Specialists, LLC. The office is located on 516 N. Polk Street in Amarillo and it is open 24/7. For more information, call Radon Gas Specialists, LLC at (806)-374-6819 or the toll free number at 1 (800) 658-2198.
