Radon Gas Remediation Using Rat Slab

Radon is a naturally-occurring noble gas that is formed when radium, uranium, and thorium break down in rock, water, and soil. It is tasteless, colorless, inert, and odorless. Once formed, radon gas is released in the air and is naturally found in the atmosphere in trace amounts.

Radon Gas

The Danger Of Radon Gas

While the radon gas that is found outdoors can simply rapidly disperse without being noticed, those that are trapped indoors can cause serious health issues. Trapped radon gas is often found inside workplaces, buildings, schools, and homes as it can seep through holes, and cracks in the foundation. Radon can also contaminate well water. 

Breathing radon gas in very small amounts from an outdoor environment will not cause you any harm. Also, this radioactive noble gas is part of the environment and is generally harmless. However, getting exposed to this inert gas and inhaling it in large amounts over time can significantly increase your risk of getting radon-related lung cancer. 

In the United States, radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer, following smoking. It is also reported to be the leading environmental cause of cancer mortality. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), around 21,000 people die every year in the USA alone due to radon-related lung cancer. 

Fortunately, indoor radon gas in homes can be controlled and managed. 

Radon Gas Remediation

In homes, the ground is the main source of radon gas. After being produced by the natural breakdown of radium, uranium, and thorium in rock, water, and soil, the radon gas can exit the ground on an exposed crawl space. It then seeps into the homes through cracks, pores, and holes in the foundation, floors, and other parts of the house. Over time, radon gas accumulates, increasing its level in the indoor environment, and imposing health risks to the occupants.

The primary aim of radon gas remediation is to reduce the levels of radon inside your home or indoor space. To know if your house needs radon gas remediation works, you need to have the air inside your crawl space and home tested first. A high concentration of radon gas can be traced in crawl spaces, basements, and the first floor of the building or house. Once high levels of radon are found, the next step would be to control and manage existing radon gas and prevent future gas accumulation. 

There are different ways to eliminate high levels of radon gas in your home. You can either caulk and seal cracks, holes, and openings in your foundation to prevent radon gas from seeping in or install a vent pipe and fan system or a soil suction radon reduction system. You can also opt to install a plastic sheeting in your crawl space floor, or pour concrete over your exposed crawl space.  

rat slab

Radon Gas Remediation Using Rat Slab

You can protect yourself and your family from the health risks that this radioactive gas causes. Turns out, installing a rat slab is the most effective and cost-efficient way to fix radon gas problems

A rat slab will serve as a barrier between your home and the ground. By pouring around 3 to 4 inches of concrete over your dirt crawl space, you can be able to prevent radon gas from getting into the surface of the ground and seeping into your home.

Aside from providing long term and permanent solution to radon gas problems, installing a rat slab can effectively make your crawl space healthier, cleaner, and more accessible. It can also help you solve other issues like pest infestation, moisture and water problems, and mold growth, to name a few.