Present in varying amounts in homes all over the US, radon is a tocsin that makes its way into the basement of most homes, quietly slipping in through the cracks in the most homes, quietly shipping in though the cracks in the foundation.

Colorless, odorless and tasteless as most other artful poisons, there are no symptoms of the potential threat of radon till it actually smoking tops the rating chart when it comes to long cancer, radon poisoning is a competitive second. The estimated figures put the death toll from this silent threat at a whopping approximate of twenty thousand people pre year. To add to it is the fatal fact that radon poisoning is an event that occurs naturally and there seems to be no way of stopping it. Before the menacing proportions, all that the homeowners can actually do is to try to prevent or slow down its occurrence.

Scientifically speaking, radon is a radioactive gas, resulting from the decay of uranium in the ground underneath. The sources of radon therefore are soil, water and rock formations. Since the cracks in the foundation of a home facilitate the entry of radon lack of proper ventilation results in the fatal situation of the gas bring trapped inside the house also try reliable and efficient power backup system.

The fatal aspect of radon is that it is breathed in naturally. Cancerous tumors are the ultimate result due to damaged tissues caused by particles of radon getting attached to the inner lining of the lungs. The potential risk of getting lung cancer increases ten times in the case of smokes. Along with the threat from radon, the smokers are already exposed to cancer causing radiation in the form of cigarettes themselves.

Though there is hardly anything one can do to stop radon from occurring naturally, homeowners can take steps to prevent the dreaded gas from finding a way into their homes. Similar to installing smoke and carbon monoxide detects people who are aware of the existence of radon & its potential threat can look around for radon detectors. This being the only defense against radon poisoning, its presence in your home can be tested by purchasing a home testing kit. In case of inability in finding such a kit or lack of knowledge regarding its use, a qualified radon tester of the area can be hired to the job.

Radon detection tests are of the following two types:

i) Short term tests: Depending on the types of testing kit used, these tests to detect random can span from twp days to a few months. Though the uses of these kits yield quick results, they are fairly accurate as well. Short term test are generally resorted to when a home is up for sale, and the prospective buyer wants to ensure the safety of the property in question.

ii) Long term test: though longer in duration, these tests give a clear, overall picture of the radon level in your home. In case of day to day shifting of radon levels, especially during renovation long term testing kits determine the average levels of radon in a year.

Both short term & long term tests can be used in conjunction for maximum benefit, especially if you intend selling your house ? short term tests indicate the present safety of your house, while long term tests determine the minimum risk of radon poisoning in near future.