Michael Holigan: You can't see it or smell it, but a deadly gas could be creeping into your house. Radon gas is formed when radium and uranium decay in the ground. Then when the air pressure changes inside your house, radon can be pulled inside like smoke is pulled up a chimney, entering through cracks, joints, drains and loose pipes. Because radon causes no visible, physical symptoms, testing is the only way it can be found. You can buy an inexpensive, easy to use test kit in most hardware stores for less than $15, and the test itself will only take a few minutes of your time.
To began your test, place the detector that comes with the kit in the center of your basement or the lowest living area of your house if you don't have a basement. Then leave it undisturbed for three days. At the end of the third day, seal the detector in the mailer provided in your test kit and send it off to the manufacturer's lab. In a few weeks you'll get back the results from your test and it will show what the level of radon is in your home, if there's any risk to you and your family and if any safety follow-up tests need to be done. If there is a leak, it can normally be sealed by a general contractor rather simply.
Another dangerous gas that can become trapped in your home is carbon monoxide. In fact, it's the leading cause of death by gas poisoning in the United States. Common sources of carbon monoxide in your house are appliances and heaters that use natural gas and fireplace chimneys. To protect yourself and your family, here are some easy precautions you can take. Have your furnace inspected for leaks and have your chimneys and vents checked for blockages by a professional once every year. This is a good time of year to call them, since most people aren't thinking about their heating systems much during the warmer months. Repair any leaks in gas lines as soon as they're found. And never let your car sit in the garage while it's running, even just for a short time. The carbon monoxide can easily come into your home and be trapped inside. Install a carbon monoxide detector in the hallways of your house just outside of any bedrooms. The detector will cost you roughly $40 or less at your hardware store, and it's easy to install yourself. If the alarm goes off and anyone has a headache or an upset stomach, get them outside immediately to fresh air and call 911. If no one feels ill, go ahead and open all the windows and ventilate the home. Then reset the detector, shut off all gas appliances. The next day have the gas company come out and inspect for any possible leaks.
Episode 43 1996 - 97 Season
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