Is there an air purifier for radon? Can such a device help filter out dangerous gas particles and make your indoor environment safe? If you are looking for answers to these queries, you are at the right blog post.
I invite you to read this detailed guide about radon and how a purifier works against it. Let’s get started!
Quick Answer
Radon is a hazardous gas that can seriously damage your health. Only professional equipment can be used to find traces of this lethal gas.
The good news is that there are effective ways to combat it. One of them is to use an air purifier. However, not all of them are equally effective at getting the job done.
Keep reading to know what filters should be present in an air purifier for impactful radon removal, places where radon may be found, and DIY methods to mitigate its effect. Let’s dive into it right now!
2 Important Things You Should Know About Radon
Radon is a colorless and odorless pollutant of the air. It is known as a naturally occurring radioactive gas. So how dangerous is it and where can it be located?
Read also: 12 Benefits of Air Purifier: Check Why it Best for Clean Air
Is Radon a Lethal Substance?
Radon is a highly dangerous and toxic material that attaches to particles such as dust particles or dander. When you inhale them they cause damage to your respiratory system. This is the leading cause of lung cancer or sick-building syndrome (as an initial symptom).
Where is Radon Can be Found?
The major source of radon is radioactive uranium. As the gas fumes can easily travel they can be found in:
- Some building materials;
- Rocks;
- Soil;
- Even water.
When discussing its presence, the outdoors is generally considered safe because of so much air and low quantity of radon.
But, the same can not be said about indoor air, because it can be very dangerous in limited spaces. If this gas has been detected in your neighborhood, you should take immediate action to lessen radon exposure.
Are Air Purifiers Getting Rid of Radon or Reducing its Concentration?
Air purifiers are the easiest way to remove radon fumes/particles from the air. If the level is dangerously high (4 pCi/L picocuries per liter or more) of radioactive gas/particles, a radon mitigation system is required.
This ensures that radon exposure is reduced to environmentally safe conditions (1.3 pCi/L).
Check out this video to learn more!
Can the HEPA Filters Eliminate/ Remove Radon Gas?
HEPA Filters are categorized are the finest quality filters that can capture the smallest particles in the air. But, no, they cannot remove the radioactive elements from the atmosphere. Instead, they trap the microscopic particles that the gas has attached to. Even electronic air filtration systems are also inefficient in this task.
But, the good thing is the HEPA filter any contaminated particles by the perilous gas (radon) are removed via these filters. Let’s figure out what filters are the best for eliminating radon from the indoor air.
Which Filters in an Air Purifier the Best Tackling the Radon Problems?
Purifiers fitted with standard air filters are ineffective in exterminating radon from the air. Instead, activated carbon filters should be integrated into the unit. The carbon material used in it absorbs the odor and gases effectively (including VOCs).
If you don’t want to spend your time in extra research, I would recommend you check this link now and get your hands on the best purifier for radon.
Essential Advantages of Activated Carbon Filters in the Fight Against Radon
Using activated carbon filters in an air purifying system has its own perks. I would recommend to prefer an air cleaner with a high-quality filter. Let’s dive into the details:
1. Gets Rid of Toxic Fumes Causing Lung Cancer
The activated carbon filter eliminates radon gas or any other volatile organic compounds. This is possible thanks to:
- The natural property of carbon is to attract most organic molecules and it reacts with them.
- A porous texture that traps hazardous fumes and binds them to the material of the filter.
2. Effective Against the Air Filtration from Odor Reduction
The purpose of activated carbon filters is not limited to radon gas removal. It can get rid of unwanted smells like:
- Indoor cooking odor;
- Mold and dampness smell;
- Pet excretion smell;
- Tobacco smoke.
3. Value for Money
Carbon filters are well-known in the market for years now and in comparison to HEPA filters, they are very reasonably priced. Surprisingly, they are more effective in removing odors and other VOCs.
Three Critical DIY Tips to Mitigate Radon
If radon is detected in your area then essential to take action to get rid of it. Here are some amazing tips that can help in reducing the health risks of radon pollutants. Let’s know them!
- If there are any cracks or gaps in the concrete floor then mend the gap with a high-quality sealant (check manufacturer instructions for better results).
- Properly seal any leaks in your HVAC system and ducts located in tight spaces or basements. You can use foil tape to reduce the risk of leakages.
- Inspect if there are any gaps in the crawl spaces or basement and seal them. Make sure to check electrical wiring gaps and plumbing pipes.
FAQs
Will air purifiers help with radon?
Yes, air purifiers are the best choice to remove radon with the help of specialized filters (activated carbon filters).
What is the best air purifier for radon?
The best unit to easily remove radon from indoors is equipped with an activated carbon filter for example HATHASPACE HSP002 Smart.
What filters for radon?
The best filters for radon are activated carbon filter (it can absorb radon) and True HEPA filter (it traps particles contaminated via radon decays). If you get a combination of both in a unit then that should be your first preference.
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Conclusion
The final say is that breathing radon for a longer duration can result in serious respiratory diseases like lung cancer. To detect its presence, you can use charcoal test kits or any other radon detectors. Make sure that its value is around 1.3pCi/l which is considered a safe level.
As a preventative measure against radon, you need to opt for air purifiers that have an activated carbon filter, or a combination with a True HEPA filter. For additional safety, make sure to seal any leaks in your HVAC system and fill gaps within your basement electrical wiring or plumbing pipes.
Danny is a passionate writer who loves to share his knowledge about air purifiers. He’s been writing for 10 years, and he’ll share all that experience with Very Well Home viewers to help you make the best decision when it’s time to buy an appliance!
