What You Need to Know About Radon

Radon is a chemical element that is found in the air we breathe. It is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause health problems if breathed in over a long time. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and is responsible for about 21,000 deaths yearly in the United States. In this blog post, we will discuss what you need to know about Radon and how you can protect yourself and your family from its harmful effects!

Why are we talking about Radon in correlation with our homes? 

Radon naturally occurs in the environment and can seep into homes through cracks and openings in the foundation or walls. It’s important to have your home tested for Radon levels to know what kind of exposure you may face. Understanding Radon levels in your home will help you make informed decisions on reducing exposure.

What kind of health risks can Radon pose? 

Radon is known to cause lung cancer and other respiratory diseases when exposed to high levels over a long period. The EPA recommends addressing homes with test results showing levels higher than four picocuries per liter (pCi/L). While the effects of Radon poisoning are equal in all individuals, children and the elderly are at a higher risk for health problems associated with Radon exposure. While having a chemical floating around in your home is not considered ideal or good, there are a few things that determine if you will be affected by Radon. Things like the levels of Radon, how much time you spend in your home if you smoke while at home, and whether or not you burn wood, coal, or other substances.

What kind of steps can I take to reduce my exposure to Radon? 

The first step in reducing exposure to Radon is testing your home for levels above four pCi/L. If test results show high levels of Radon, there are several measures that you can take to mitigate exposure. These include sealing cracks or openings in your foundation and walls, installing a ventilation system, and investing in a radon mitigation system. Additionally, if you’re planning on renovating your home, it’s important to check for signs of high levels of Radon before beginning work so that appropriate measures can be taken. In addition, here are ten preventive measures that you can take to prevent high levels of Radon in your house.

Avoid smoking inside your house: The first and most important step in reducing exposure to Radon is not smoking indoors. Not smoking will greatly reduce the amount of radon you and your family are exposed to. Avoid smoking indoors and discourage others from smoking indoors.

Fix water leaks: Ensure that all your water lines are properly sealed and that no water is leaking inside your house. This will help reduce the chances of moisture-filled areas becoming breeding grounds for Radon gas.

Make sure ventilation systems are up-to-date: Make sure that all of your ventilation systems are up-to-date and working properly. This will ensure that Radon gas is properly filtered out before entering the home.

Asking about Radon resistant construction techniques when building a new home: One of the things that you should pay attention when purchasing a new home is if they are resistant to Radon or if any special considerations have been made during the construction process to protect the house against Radon poisoning.

Clean your air ducts regularly: Make sure to periodically clean your air ducts and replace any filters that are no longer working properly. This will help reduce the amount of Radon gas entering your home.

Check for cracks and openings in walls and foundation: Make sure to frequently check for any damages or openings in the foundations or walls of your house which could be allowing Radon gas into your home. If you find anything, seal them as soon as possible.

Test radon levels regularly: As mentioned before, it’s important to have your home tested for Radon levels to know what kind of exposure you may face. It’s also a good idea to test periodically to keep an eye on any changes in Radon levels.

Invest in a radon mitigation system: If your home is showing high levels of Radon, investing in a radon mitigation system can help to reduce the amount of gas entering your home.

Avoid burning wood and coal: Wood and coal are known sources of Radon gas, so try to avoid burning them indoors. If you must burn either material, do it outdoors and away from your house as much as possible.

Radon is an invisible danger that can cause serious health problems if left unchecked in your home. It’s important to know how to recognize the signs of Radon poisoning and what steps you can take to prevent exposure to keep yourself and your family safe.