Radon gas can be a potential issue if found in your home. You can’t see, smell, or taste radon when it is present in your home, but behind smoking, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
WHAT’S RADON GAS?
You can’t see, smell, or taste radon, but it is a leading cause of lung cancer. It’s a byproduct of the underground decay of radioactive elements like uranium and thorium. When uranium and other elements break down, radon gas develops and releases into the soil. Eventually, the gas works its way to the ground’s surface and into the air. Radon gas is so diluted outdoors that it doesn’t pose a health risk. But high levels of radon gas trapped indoors can become concentrated. Every state in the U.S. has radon gas. However, some areas are at a higher risk than others, depending on the soil.
HOW DOES RADON GET INTO YOUR HOME?
Since radon is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, radon can get into your home without you even knowing it. It can get into your home through cracks in walls, your basement floor, foundations, and any other kinds of openings. Sometimes it can even enter through your home’s water supply or building materials. If radon gets trapped in your home, it can linger at dangerous levels, especially over a long period. As it decays, it releases radioactive byproducts that enter your lungs as you breathe, increasing your risk of lung cancer over time and other serious health complications.
IS THERE A SAFE LEVEL OF RADON?
There are no safe radon levels, but the EPA recommends taking action if you have elevated radon levels over 4 pCi/L. But because radon isn’t safe at any level, it’s also recommended to take action if you have radon levels between 2 and 4 pCi/L. According to the EPA, the average level of radon gas in a home is about 1.3 pCi/L. Those levels do not pose an appreciable risk to most residents living in the house. All homeowners should understand the consequences of living with high radon levels and selling or buying a house with high gas concentrations. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon can cause lung cancer. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that radon exposure leads to about 21,000 lung cancer deaths among Americans every year, second only to cigarette smoking.
Call Anchor Home Inspection
Anchor Home Inspection is always available by phone to answer questions regarding your home. If you would like to consult with a professional about a home inspection, call Anchor Home Inspection now to schedule a home inspection today.
Anchor Home Inspections is a quality Home Inspector to Rhode Island and Connecticut. Contact us to schedule a home inspection or any of our other home inspection services.
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