Health Canada and other organizations concerned with public health recommend that homeowners have their homes tested for high levels of radon gas. Testing can be done in one of two ways: either you do the test yourself, or you can have a CNRPP (Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program) trained professional conduct the test for you. In this post, we will go through the reasons why it is advisable to either test for radon gas in your house on your own or hire a professional who is certified by the CNRPP to do the test for you.
What is Radon Gas?
Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can be found in much of the world's soil and rock. Radon gas can also be found in water. It is a tasteless, odourless, and colourless gas that can enter homes and structures through foundation joints, fissures, and other openings of any kind. The radioactivity of radon gas contributes to the hazards posed by the gas; furthermore, prolonged exposure to high concentrations of the gas has been linked to an increased risk of developing lung cancer.
Conducting Your Own Tests for Radon Gas
Doing the test on your own is the first option available when looking into the presence of radon gas. This is typically the most cost-effective and convenient choice, given the wide availability of radon testing kits for purchase at a variety of locations, including local hardware stores, internet sellers, and through public health groups. These kits are simple to use and include instructions on how to correctly set up the equipment and record the results.
There are radon testing kits that are either passive or active. Both sorts are available. The charcoal canister that is included in most radon testing kits is used to conduct the passive testing method. This canister is then left inside your house for the allotted length of time. After the allotted amount of time has passed, the container is then delivered to a laboratory for further examination. The findings will be accessible in the following couple of weeks. Active radon testing kits are electronic devices that provide readings of the levels of radon in your house in real-time. These monitors can be purchased online. These monitors are more expensive, but they deliver their benefits much more quickly.
When you test for radon gas on your own, you have complete control over the scheduling as well as the frequency of the inspections. This is one of the benefits of doing the testing yourself. For instance, if you have a hunch that your house has high amounts of radon gas, you are free to conduct a test whenever you like in order to verify your concerns. In addition, you may monitor any changes in the radon levels in your house by conducting radon testing on a regular basis throughout the year.
You will have fast access to the findings of your radon gas test if you conduct it yourself. This is another advantage of conducting the test yourself. If the test results show that there are high levels of radon gas in your house, you will have the opportunity to take corrective action thanks to this. Because children and pets are more susceptible to the negative health consequences of radon gas exposure, it is especially vital to take this step if you have either of these populations residing in your house.
Using a Professional Who Has Obtained Their CNRPP Certification
The usage of a CNRPP-certified professional is the second method for radon gas testing that can be performed. This alternative could cost more than the others, but it has a number of advantages that make it well worth the additional money.
Radon testing and remediation are two areas in which CNRPP-certified personnel have both training and expertise. They have the experience as well as the equipment that is required to accurately measure the radon levels in your house and make advice for reducing the radon levels if it is determined that this is necessary. This may be especially crucial to keep in mind if the layout of your property is odd or complicated, since this may need the use of unique testing and prevention strategies.
CNRPP-certified personnel not only have the ability to provide accurate testing results and recommendations for mitigating risks, but they also have access to a wide variety of resources and support. They are able to provide radon mitigation services, offer information on radon-resistant construction practices, and provide answers to any questions you may have regarding radon gas and its potential adverse effects on your health.
Using a professional who is certified by the CNRPP comes with a number of benefits, one of which is the provision of a certificate stating that the radon testing standards of Health Canada have been met. If you plan on selling your house in the near future, having this certificate on hand might be helpful in demonstrating to prospective purchasers that you have made efforts to ensure their health and safety in the property. CNRPP-certified professionals also are held to higher standard, participate in continuing education as well as have insurance to protect the clients they work for. Great West Radon is CNRPP-certified.
Contact us to book your Radon test or purchase your own device online.