The Importance of Radon Testing in NJ

Radon testing in NJ has become more frequent and important as public awareness of the gas’ harmful effects has grown. When radium decays, it forms radon, which is odorless, colorless and radioactive. It is one of the heaviest substances that can remain in a gaseous state under normal conditions.

Radon gas is considered to be a health hazard and a major contaminant that affects the quality of the air on the insides of buildings, most especially in enclosed areas such as basements or attics. The accumulation depends largely on the construction of the building, how it is ventilated and the degree to which air can flow freely through the house. Because of the cold winters in New Jersey, the increased levels of insulation that are typically found in buildings there, severely restricts the flow of air. Radon testing in NJ takes this and other important factors into consideration during the investigation phase of the testing.

In New Jersey, radioactive substances that occur naturally are often found in ground water. This is not unusual. To some extent, they exist in virtually all rocks and soil everywhere. However when the levels of those reach unsafe proportions, the radon can be harmful to one’s health. This is one of the reasons why Radon testing in NJ is so important.

Scientists have established a clear link between breathing air that has high concentrations of radon and occurrences of lung cancer. Radon-connected lung cancer stands second only to that caused by cigarette smoke and accounts for an estimated 21,000 deaths each year in the United States alone. As the numbers of deaths due to lung cancer have increased in New Jersey, so has the need for radon testing in NJ. It could be a deadly mistake for anyone to choose not to have the testing done because the gas is virtually impossible to detect otherwise. It should also be noted that children have been found to be particularly vulnerable to radiation exposure. Additionally, smokers who live in houses that are contaminated by radon stand a drastically increased chance of contracting lung cancer.

Once radon testing in NJ has been performed on a particular house, there are strong chances that the house can be saved from being condemned. If the level of radon in that house is at 4 picocuries per liter or more, the Environmental Protection Agency has recommended the homeowners purchase a mitigation or remediation system and have it installed by a professional. These systems cost only a few dollars per month to operate, a small price to save lives.

In order to properly install one of the mitigation or remediation systems, a qualified radon mitigation contractor should be hired to do the job. There should also be a maintenance plan set into place at the time of the installation to make sure the occupants of a radon-detected home remain safe. However, before any of this can take place, it is important that one have thorough, professional radon testing in NJ.