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What is Radon? Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas caused by the decay of uranium. It can be found in soil, water, and air. Radon is odorless and invisible, so it can be difficult to detect.
This gas can enter your home through cracks in the foundation, openings around pipes or wires, and windows!
In this blog post, we will discuss what radon is, how it affects the body, and how to identify areas with high radon levels.
What Does Radon Do The Body?
When radon enters your lungs, it can cause damage to your cells. This can lead to lung cancer and other health problems. The risk of developing lung cancer from radon exposure depends on how much radiation you are exposed to and for how long.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified radon concentration in homes as the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, so it is important to take steps to protect yourself from this gas!
Where Is Radon Most Commonly Found?
Radon is most commonly found in areas with high levels of uranium in the soil. This includes parts of the United States, Canada, and Europe.
However, any area can have high levels of radon if the conditions are right. It is essential to test your home for indoor radon concentrations, especially if you live in an area that has a higher risk of exposure!
Radon levels are frequently higher in locations that are:
Closer to the ground, such as basements or underground mines.
Near soil that contains more radioactive metal.
Poorly ventilated.
Processing or storing certain products, such as phosphate fertilizers or uranium.
Radon In Buildings
Radon can enter your home through various openings around your home! In order to protect yourself from this gas, it is important to identify areas in your home where the levels are high.
If you find that your home has high levels of radon, there are steps you can take to reduce the amount of gas that enters your home. These steps include:
Sealing cracks and holes in the foundation.
Adding ventilation systems.
Replacing windows and doors.
Installing a radon mitigation system.
Radon In Liquid
Radon gas can also be found in liquid. This means that it can be present in your drinking water. The levels of radon in water and soil vary depending on the location. It is important to remember that there is no safe radon level in drinking w
There are various steps you can take to reduce the amount of radon in your drinking water, some of them include:
Adding a filter to your faucet.
Replacing your well pump.
Drilling a new well.
How To Test For Radon Gas
There are several ways to test your home for radon. You can purchase radon test kits at your local hardware store, or you can hire a professional to test your home for you. If you live in an area that is known to have radon levels, it is crucial to test your home regularly.
Radon Gas Exposure
As stated earlier, radon gas exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. However, the risk of developing cancer from radon exposure is dose-dependent.
This means that the more radiation you are exposed to, and the longer you are exposed, the greater your risk of developing radon related lung cancer. Below we discuss some of the symptoms one might experience if exposed to radon.
Symptoms Of Radon Gas Exposure
The symptoms of residential radon exposure can vary depending on how much radiation you are exposed to. Radon exposure can lead to lung cancer and other health problems, so it is important to take steps to protect yourself from this gas!
Symptoms of radon exposure may include:
Coughing
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Hoarseness
Fatigue
Weight loss
Increase in phlegm production and blood in sputum
Conclusion
Radon is a gas that can cause serious health problems if you are exposed to it. It is important to take steps to protect yourself and your family from this gas! There are several ways to test your home for radon, so be sure to test your home if you live in an area with known high levels of this gas. You can also take steps to reduce the amount of radon in your home or drinking water. Remember, there is no safe level of exposure to radon!
Need Help Testing For Radon?
Having a professional inspector test your home for radon is arguably the best and safest way to test for radon gas.
Give us a call at 410-693-5539. We'll be more than happy to answer any questions you have and help make your home as safe as possible.
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