Is there radon gas in your home? You’ll never know until you have your home tested for its presence. Radon exists deep inside the earth and works its way up through the ground until it reaches the surface. Once there, it safely disperses into the atmosphere. At least that’s what happens outdoors.
If a structure happens to block its path, radon can find its way inside and poison the air. Unlike some deadly gases, such as carbon monoxide, radon is a slow and silent killer. But fear not—radon is detectable and easy to divert away from your home. Learn how, as well as four other surprising radon facts everyone should know in this read.
Radon Is the Number One Cause of Lung Cancer in Nonsmokers
You spend your whole life never taking a drag off a single cigarette and still end up with lung cancer if there’s radon in your home. Radon enters a home through cracks in the foundation, usually filling the basement but occasionally rising throughout the house.
While radioactive, radon particles can’t penetrate the skin. However, when it’s inhaled it can settle in the lungs and release particles that cause damage and lead to lung cancer. This can take a very long time, sometimes as long as 20 years.
Your Home’s Radon Level Is Affected by Geography
Radon is everywhere, but it can concentrate some areas more than others. The United States features several radon zones based on county-wide reports of radon levels. The factors affecting these levels include the type of soil, minerals, the presence of radium and uranium, and more. That said, while radon is less in some areas, there are no “safe” levels of radon. Lower amounts in your basement may bring some relief, but there’s still grounds to have the radon removed.
Radon Can Enter Your Water Supply
Radon doesn’t just show up in gaseous form. It can infiltrate well water and slowly dissolve, raising the danger of ingesting it or setting it “free” through cooking, cleaning, and bathing. There is less of a risk of radon poisoning through water, but it still pays to have your water tested by a certified professional. If your water tests positive for radon, you can eliminate it through filtering and aeration methods.
Radon Mitigation Is Possible and Cost Effective
Here’s the last of our four surprising radon facts everyone should know. You can remove radon from your home through a radon mitigation system, both interior and exterior radon mitigation systems are available. Often, with new construction, radon mitigation systems are set up before installing the foundation. Exterior systems can be easily piped into the ground beneath the slab and attached to the side of the house. Some kits also feature fans to draw up and push out the radon.
Radon gas may be a hidden danger lurking in your home, but with proper testing and mitigation, you can ensure your family’s safety. This naturally occurring gas is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers and can enter your home through the foundation or even the water supply. However, with simple, cost-effective radon mitigation systems, you can reduce the risk significantly. Don’t wait until it’s too late—take control of your indoor air quality today by testing for radon and exploring options to keep this silent intruder at bay. Protecting your health and home starts with awareness and action.
Radon gas is one of those things it’s better to be safe about than sorry. Have your home tested soon!
