RADON

Why inspect for radon in your home ?

​

To prevent health problems. Radon is everywhere in nature but concentrations vary from one place to another. Radon doesn’t accumulate outside but becomes problematic when it infiltrates buildings and starts to accumulate. Because it is heavier than air particules this gaz accumulates in cellars. It can cause serious health problems leading to death like lung cancer and can only be detected by analysis using the wright instruments. This gas doesn’t cause headaches or any other precusory problems, it is odorless, colorless and tasteless. Radon is the product of radium degradation and therefore can emit alpha, beta and gamma particules. These are considered dangerous and are the cause of conditions like lung cancer. Concentration exceeding 200 Bq/m3 (becquerel per cubic meter of air) is considered dangerous and exceed the  norm in Canada. The limit for a house in the USA is lower, 150Bq/m3. Radon infiltrates itself easily by cracks in the foundation, by the concrete slabs, by sumps, around the open areas of plumbing lines and even in your drinking water if an artesian well is used. On the other hand, radon in the house nextdoor does not necessarily mean that your home is also contaminated ; radon can appear occasionally in a given area.

 

It is possible to evaluate radon concentration by two types of analysis, short term and long term. For a speedy result and a lesser cost, a short term analysis is recommended. Short term analysis doesn’t take  fluctuations into account but is still a effective solution if time is an issue, like, inspection before  buying a house. This testing is done with a high quality instrument that gives a precise concentration of radon in very little time. Ingeniair is one of the rare companies to offer this type of service. Our specialised equipment can provide a reliable radon concentration measurement within one hour.

For a long term analysis, a radon measuring device must be installed during at least three months. After that period, the device must be sent in a sealed enveloppe to a certified lab that will evaluate the radon concentration. This test can reveal radon fluctuations over time.

After receiving the data for a short or long term test, Ingeniair will submit a quality report and will issue appropriate recommandations. Evaluating for radon protects your family against radioactive particules that can contaminate the air in your house. There are two ways to counteract radon infiltration, redirecting the gas from it’s source to the exterior or by sealing the possible sources of infiltration. Depending on the concentration and the infiltration, both solutions are advisable.  Benefit from the expertise of a construction engineer who can guide you and help you solve your problems, ask for Ingeniair!

​