PLUMBER & HVAC HIGH-QUALITY MAINTENANCE
Influence Of Controlled Mechanical Ventilation On Radon Gas
What is radon and how does it work
Radon is a radioactive gas that has a natural origin. It is common for it to accumulate in interior spaces, such as homes, offices or any other. It is considered to be the second cause of lung cancer, only after tobacco. It should be noted that there is no safe exposure to radon for health. However, the lower the exposure, the less likely you are to get this serious disease. There are, however, proven and long-lasting methods to prevent the gas from leaking into homes. In addition, they can be applied to both new and existing homes. One such method is controlled mechanical ventilation for radon gas.
What is radon and how does it work? Radon is a natural gas that has no smell, color or taste. It is a by-product of the natural radioactive decay of uranium, a metal present in the subsoil and rocks of the granite soils.
Uranium is solid, but when it decomposes into radon it goes into a gaseous state, emanating from the soil and already in the air, where it continues its life cycle. During this life cycle, radon progressively disintegrates, emitting radioactive particles and generating other by-products that may be in the form of micro-particles that remain in air suspension. These particles, when breathed, can be deposited in the airways. If this happens, they can damage the DNA and cause the dreaded lung cancer.
Uranium is solid, but when it decomposes into radon it goes into a gaseous state, emanating from the soil and already in the air, where it continues its life cycle. During this life cycle, radon progressively disintegrates, emitting radioactive particles and generating other by-products that may be in the form of micro-particles that remain in air suspension. These particles, when breathed, can be deposited in the airways. If this happens, they can damage the DNA and cause the dreaded lung cancer.
In the open air radon does not cause any problems, but indoors, the above-mentioned fumes can be concentrated to levels that cause damage to humans. As we said, the higher the concentration of radon, the greater the chance of suffering from lung cancer. Moreover, smokers are even more at risk.
The amount of radon in housing depends on the amount of uranium present in the ground on which the building is constructed. The amount that leaks into the homes also depends on different factors, such as the type of construction, its waterproofing and the way the house is ventilated. Radon reaches the house through cracks in the floors, pores in concrete blocks, spaces around cables or pipes, or through drains, for example. The highest concentration occurs in rooms that are in direct contact with the building, such as basements.
The amount of radon in housing depends on the amount of uranium present in the ground on which the building is constructed. The amount that leaks into the homes also depends on different factors, such as the type of construction, its waterproofing and the way the house is ventilated. Radon reaches the house through cracks in the floors, pores in concrete blocks, spaces around cables or pipes, or through drains, for example. The highest concentration occurs in rooms that are in direct contact with the building, such as basements.
What is the effect of controlled mechanical ventilation against radon gas?
When building a house it is necessary to assess the exposure to radon gas that the building may suffer. It is especially important to take this into account in areas where there is a high concentration of uranium.
In the United States and in an increasing number of European Union countries, new buildings have measures in place to protect homes from this gas.
When building a house it is necessary to assess the exposure to radon gas that the building may suffer. It is especially important to take this into account in areas where there is a high concentration of uranium.
In the United States and in an increasing number of European Union countries, new buildings have measures in place to protect homes from this gas.
How can the concentration of radon in homes that are already built be reduced? By putting these measures into practice:
– By installing a system of mechanical radon extraction in the area of the building closest to the ground. This is often the most economical and effective measure to prevent radon concentration in those rooms closest to the ground.
– By introducing improvements in the ventilation of the floor.
– Preventing radon from filtering from the area of the house in contact with the ground to the rest of the rooms.
– Sealing the floors and walls.
In the light of the above, it is essential to install a mechanical ventilation system to prevent the concentration of this gas in the house.
– By installing a system of mechanical radon extraction in the area of the building closest to the ground. This is often the most economical and effective measure to prevent radon concentration in those rooms closest to the ground.
– By introducing improvements in the ventilation of the floor.
– Preventing radon from filtering from the area of the house in contact with the ground to the rest of the rooms.
– Sealing the floors and walls.
In the light of the above, it is essential to install a mechanical ventilation system to prevent the concentration of this gas in the house.
This will reduce the presence of radon in the home by more than 50% without the need for structural and/or constructive interventions.
Of course, depending on the location of the house, the rest of the measures mentioned should also be evaluated, since it is undoubtedly vital to implement all the actions that are necessary to prevent radon from harming the inhabitants of any house.
Of course, depending on the location of the house, the rest of the measures mentioned should also be evaluated, since it is undoubtedly vital to implement all the actions that are necessary to prevent radon from harming the inhabitants of any house.
See What Our Clients Have To Say….
We are here when you need us to service both your residential and comercial properties
Abel Esparza
Fantastic service! Called at 8 am about non-running refrigerator that was tripping a circuit. Mike was out the same morning and replaced the broken part. He was friendly, the service was incredibly quick and we’re delighted we don’t have to buy a new fridge. HIGHLY recommend.
Jerome Orr
My oven wasn’t working and I put off fixing it for months. Finally I looked for a good appliance repair company and I came across this company. I spoke with Max who is really friendly and flexible. He was willing to work with my schedule and within days he fixed the oven and i’ve able to bake ever since! Great service and and rates!
Din Vanters
When my dishwasher stopped working I was worried I was going to have to spend a bundle to fix it or buy a brand new one. Alec was super responsive, friendly and most importantly fixed my dishwasher in no time at all. I would recommend him and this company to anyone that has an appliance issue.