Indoor radon pollution, the real killer hidden beside you
Radon gas is a natural, odorless, colorless gas that is known to affect the health of you and your family if it enters your home. Radon gas can build up in homes, workplaces, and even schools.
Radon gas is a natural, odorless, colorless gas that is known to affect the health of you and your family if it enters your home. Radon gas can build up in homes, workplaces, and even schools. Because it is odorless and colorless, it is not easily detected by smell or appearance, allowing it to rise to dangerous levels unnoticed. With radon being the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, it is important to know if you and your family are being exposed to radon gas. Below, we answer all of your radon-related questions.
How is radon gas formed?
Radon comes from uranium present in rock and soil. Eventually, the uranium breaks down and turns into radium, forming radon gas.
How does radon enter your home?
Being odorless and colorless, radon can be quite sneaky. It can enter your home through cracks in walls, basement floors, foundations, and other types of openings. It's rare, but in some cases, radon can enter through your home's water supply or building materials.
When radon is trapped indoors, it can stay at dangerous levels. As it decays, it releases radioactive byproducts that enter your lungs when you breathe, increasing your risk of lung cancer and other serious health complications.
How do you know if you have radon in your home?
Since you can't encounter it by smell or sight, it can certainly be difficult to detect. Health-related symptoms are key signs of your radon exposure. If you experience possible signs or symptoms of lung cancer, you may have been exposed to radon, but should contact your doctor immediately. These symptoms may include:
Shortness of breath
New or worsening cough
Chest pain or tightness
Hoarseness
Trouble swallowing
Another way to know (and the best way to find out) if you have radon in your home is to test for it. There are many testing options, and they are generally inexpensive and cost about the same as other common home repairs. Some options include:
DIY, at-home testing: These tests can measure your home's exposure in anywhere from two to seven days. Other, more detailed tests can take anywhere from three months to a year. All you have to do is follow the instructions and send the results back to the lab, which will test your sample for current radon.
Professional Testing: A certified radon professional can come to your home to perform a radon test, which is the recommended method. Not only can professional testing be more accurate, but it can give you peace of mind that your findings are conclusive and in good hands.
It is important for your home's radon levels to be as low as possible. If you test diligently on your own, or through professional testing, you may find spikes in your levels, but repairs will need to be made to reduce exposure to this harmful gas.