Radon is very dangerous. It can even be fatal if someone is exposed to it for too long or in too large amounts. It is very important that you help to keep your elderly loved one safe from radon. While many new homeowners will have their home tested for radon, people who have lived in the same home for years don’t usually do this. However, you should have radon levels checked in your elderly loved one’s home. There are some other things you should know about helping to keep your elderly loved one safe from radon.
Knowing Their Risk Level
The first thing that you should figure out is what your elderly loved one’s risk level is for being exposed to radon. Did you know that around 1 in every 15 houses throughout the United States has high levels of radon. You can check the Environmental Protection Agency to see what the risk is in your elderly loved one’s neighborhood. Even if this map says that your elderly loved one’s home is low-risk or no-risk, you should still get their home tested just to be sure.
Getting a Radon Detector Kit
Another way that you can help to keep your elderly loved one safe from radon is by getting a radon detector kit for their home. Radon can’t be smelled or seen. These kits will detect the radon levels and alarm if the levels are too high. You just need to put the detector near the floor to ensure the radon is detected in time. You can get a short-term test that measures the levels between 2-90 days. You can also get a long-term test that tests the levels for over 3 months. After your elderly loved one’s radon detector kit has been installed for a while, you can send it in to see the levels. If there are high radon levels in the home, it is important to have your elderly loved one stay somewhere else until the home is safe for them to return.
Getting a Contractor
If there are high radon levels in your elderly loved one’s home, you should contact an experienced contractor. These contractors know how to seal the cracks in walls and floors. They know how to improve the ventilation in the home, as well. While the contractors are working on the home, you may need to have your elderly loved one stay with you. If needed, you can have caregivers come help care for them while they are out of their home.
Conclusion
These are some of the ways that you can keep your elderly loved one safe from radon. Now that you have these tips, you should check on your elderly loved one’s radon risk today. You should also get a radon detector kit placed in their home, as well.
Sources
https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/protect-home-radon/index.html
https://www.epa.gov/radon/health-risk-radon
If you or an aging loved one is considering caregivers in Elizabeth, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare today at 303-953-9924.
