If there is radon gas inside your house, it can create a serious and hazardous situation. According to the information from the U.S. Surgeon General, radon is the second largest cause of lung cancer, only after smoking. The primary reason for this danger is that radon is a radioactive compound that may cause serious health issues if you are exposed to it for long periods.
Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to tell that this hazard is present if you don’t have the proper equipment. Understanding how radon works and how to test for it can help make your home safer.
More About Radon
Radon is a type of chemical element that turns into a gas at room temperature. It is produced in soils and rocks by the breakdown of small amounts of uranium, which is a radioactive element, and that occurs naturally. Radon is also radioactive, and if you inhale it, it can expose your lungs to harmful levels of radiation energy.
Radon exposure can cause health issues, which include lung cancer. However, the risk depends on the amount of radon you breathe in the air, how long you are exposed to it, and an array of other factors.
Sources of Radon in the Home
There are two main ways that radon can enter your home. The first is through the bedrock or soil under or around your house. As the uranium found in the soil starts to release radon, the radon seeps into the house through the walls and floors. Since most houses have limited air exchanges, the radon inside the home usually accumulates, and elevated levels may occur. This is especially true in the basement, along with the lower levels of the house. Radon may also be present in the water, especially in the ground and well water. If you use this water for showering, it can release the radon into the air in your home.
Indications of Radon in Your Home
It is virtually impossible to detect radon with just your senses. It is odorless and colorless, so you can’t smell or see it. It doesn’t have a taste either. It will not discolor or stain materials, and it doesn’t leave any evidence or marks that it is there. The only clues you may find are indications that radon has found its way into your house. Some of the potential entryways for radon gas include cracks in the basement floor or gaps around service pipes leading into the home. However, even if these signs aren’t present, radon may still be present.
Mitigation and Detection
It is essential to have your home tested for radon. One of the best ways to know if radon is present is by having a completed professional home inspection. This is necessary if someone is buying a home, selling a home, or want to ensure their home is safe and hazard-free for them and their family. Radon is dangerous, but it is possible to handle everything with a thorough inspection.