What Is Radon Gas and Why Should You Care?

Radon is a silent killer lurking in many homes across the country. It’s an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that is completely undetectable without proper testing. But don’t be fooled by its subtlety—radon poses serious health risks, including lung cancer. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, behind smoking. The worst part? It can seep into your home without you even knowing.

So, what exactly is radon, and why is it such a threat? Let’s break it down.

What Is Radon Gas?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium, thorium, and radium break down in the soil, rock, and water. These elements are part of the natural radioactive decay process that occurs deep within the Earth’s crust. As uranium and other radioactive materials break down, they release radon gas into the atmosphere.

Outside, radon poses little risk because it’s dispersed into the open air. However, the real danger occurs when radon enters buildings and becomes trapped inside. Radon is heavier than air, so it tends to accumulate in lower areas of a building, such as basements and crawlspaces. Once it’s inside, it can build up to harmful levels without any immediate signs or symptoms.

How Does Radon Enter Your Home?

Radon gas is on the move, constantly seeping into homes through cracks, gaps, and openings in the foundation. The gas can enter through:

• Cracks in the foundation

• Joints between walls and floors

• Around pipes and service lines

• Unsealed crawlspaces or basement windows

Homes that have basements or crawlspaces are particularly vulnerable because these areas are often in direct contact with the ground. Additionally, homes built on radon-prone soil or areas with high concentrations of uranium and other radioactive materials tend to have higher levels of radon.

Even newer homes with tighter construction can experience radon infiltration. Modern homes are often more energy-efficient, with fewer cracks and leaks for ventilation. While this is great for energy savings, it can also trap radon inside.

Why Is Radon Dangerous?

While radon itself doesn’t cause immediate symptoms or harm, the radiation it emits can be dangerous over time. When radon is inhaled, its radioactive particles can get trapped in the lungs, where they emit radiation that damages lung tissue. This damage can eventually lead to lung cancer.

The National Cancer Institute estimates that radon exposure is responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually in the U.S. This makes radon the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

It’s important to note that the risk of lung cancer from radon exposure increases with the length of exposure and the radon levels in your home. The longer you live in a house with high radon levels, the higher your risk. Although smoking significantly raises the risk of lung cancer, non-smokers can also develop lung cancer due to radon exposure.

Radon exposure is particularly concerning because it often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. There are no immediate warning signs or symptoms, making radon a silent and invisible threat. That’s why it’s so important to test your home for radon regularly.

How Do You Know If Your Home Has High Radon Levels?

The only way to know if your home has high radon levels is to test for it. You can’t smell or see radon, so regular testing is the only way to determine whether you are at risk. Fortunately, radon testing is simple and relatively inexpensive. There are two main types of radon tests: short-term tests and long-term tests.

• Short-term tests are typically done for 2 to 7 days and give you a quick snapshot of the radon levels in your home. These tests are ideal for initial screenings.

• Long-term tests measure radon levels over a period of 90 days or more, providing a more accurate picture of your home’s radon levels.

You can purchase radon test kits online or at home improvement stores. Alternatively, you can hire a certified radon professional to conduct a thorough test in your home. If you are planning to buy or sell a home, a radon test is often included as part of the inspection process.

What Are Safe Radon Levels?

Radon is measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends action if your home has radon levels of 4 pCi/L or higher. At or above this level, the EPA suggests taking steps to reduce radon exposure.

If your home tests below 4 pCi/L, it’s still a good idea to keep monitoring, especially if you live in an area where radon is more common. Some homes with low radon levels may experience seasonal increases, especially during colder months when ventilation is lower.

Can Radon Levels Change Over Time?

Yes, radon levels can fluctuate over time. Factors like weather, ventilation, and changes in your home can all affect the concentration of radon. For example:

• Seasonal changes: Radon levels may rise during winter months when homes are sealed tighter to conserve heat, reducing airflow and ventilation.

• Ventilation changes: If you remodel or make changes to the home’s ventilation system, it can impact radon levels.

• Barometric pressure: Changes in barometric pressure can cause shifts in the ground pressure, which may affect the amount of radon entering your home.

Given these fluctuations, it’s a good idea to test for radon periodically to ensure the levels remain safe.

How to Protect Your Home from Radon

The good news is that radon exposure is preventable. If you find high levels of radon in your home, you can take steps to reduce your exposure with radon mitigation. Here are some common methods:

• Active soil depressurization (ASD): This is the most common and effective method for reducing radon levels. It involves installing a system of pipes and a fan that vent radon outside the home before it can enter.

• Crawlspace encapsulation: If your home has a crawlspace, sealing the area and improving ventilation can prevent radon from entering the home.

• Improving ventilation: In some cases, improving airflow in the home can reduce radon concentrations.

Radon mitigation systems are generally affordable, with costs ranging from $800 to $2,500, depending on the size and complexity of the home. Professional mitigation can lower radon levels by up to 99%, significantly reducing the health risks.

Protect Your Family from Radon Exposure

Radon is a serious health threat, but it’s also preventable. By testing your home and installing a mitigation system if necessary, you can reduce your family’s exposure to this dangerous gas. Radon may be silent and invisible, but with the right actions, you can protect your home and loved ones from its harmful effects.

If you haven’t already, schedule a radon test today and take the first step toward ensuring your home is safe from radon.

Worried about radon in your home? Contact us today to schedule a professional radon test. If your radon levels are elevated, we can help you find a safe, effective mitigation solution.

Call now at 587-413-1510 to schedule your radon test!