You cannot see, smell, or taste radon
. But it still may be a problem in your home. When you breathe air containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General of the United States has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today.
What are the symptoms of radon in your home?
Possible symptoms include shortness of breath (difficulty breathing),
a new or worsening cough, pain or tightness in the chest, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing
. If you smoke and you know you’ve been exposed to high levels of radon, it’s very important to quit smoking.
Is it safe to live in a home with radon?
The EPA states, “Radon is a health hazard with a simple solution.” Once radon reduction measures are in place, home buyers need not worry about the quality of the air in the home. … Since removing radon is relatively simple,
your family will be safe in a home with a radon reduction system in place
.
How common is radon in homes?
Radon can enter your home through cracks and holes in the foundation, through well water, and via building materials, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says. It’s common:
About 1 in every 15 homes
has what’s considered an elevated radon level.
Do I need to worry about radon in my home?
If the radon level in your home is above 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L, a measure of radiation), you should do something about it. … The average home has about
1.3 pCi/L
of radon. Such levels aren’t enough to worry about, but under the right conditions, they could make you sick.
Do all basements have radon?
Basements aren’t the only place you can find radon
. This is a common assumption since radon is most commonly found in basements. Unfortunately, it’s also very wrong. Radon gas can be found anywhere in any home, not just in the basement.
How long does radon take to make you sick?
Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States, though it usually takes
5 to 25 years
to develop. Early signs and symptoms of lung cancer may include: persistent cough.
How do I get rid of radon in my home?
Sub-slab depressurization (also called active soil depressurization)
is the most effective and reliable radon reduction technique. It is also the most common method used by C-NRPP certified professionals. Homeowners should take action to reduce the radon level in their home if it is above the Canadian guideline level.
Does radon make you tired?
Additional, long-term symptoms of radon gas exposure include loss of appetite, weight loss, and
fatigue
. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms above because not only do they indicate symptoms of radon exposure, but consistent exposure to radon can also lead to lung cancer.
Which of the following is most likely the source of the radon found in a house?
The main source of indoor radon is
radon gas infiltration from soil into buildings
. Rock and soil produce radon gas. Building materials, the water supply, and natural gas can all be sources of radon in the home. Basements allow more opportunity for soil gas entry than slab-on-grade foundations.
Does opening windows reduce radon?
Opening windows
improves air circulation and ventilation
, helping move radon out of the house and mixing radon-free outside air with indoor air. … Running a window fan in a basement window reduces radon levels, but only if the fan blows air into the basement.
Is radon a deal breaker?
You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it, but radon gas is a leading cause of lung cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. However,
the presence of radon in your home doesn’t have to be a deal breaker
.
How do I make my house safe from radon?
An active radon sump
, fitted with a fan, is the most effective way to reduce indoor radon levels. Sumps work best under solid floors and under suspended floors if the ground is covered with concrete or a membrane. Occasionally, passive sumps without a fan may reduce radon levels.
What time of year are radon levels highest?
To answer that question, yes, radon levels in a home tend to be higher during
the winter
. And those higher levels of radon gas can lead to an increased chance of lung cancer. While indoor radon gas levels are generally higher during winter, sometimes the summer can have higher indoor radon levels.
What state has the highest radon?
- Alaska (10.7)
- South Dakota (9.6)
- Pennsylvania (8.6)
- Ohio (7.8)
- Washington (7.5)
- Kentucky (7.4)
- Montana (7.4)
- Idaho (7.3)
How much does a radon system cost?
The cost of a mitigation system may vary according to the home’s design, size, foundation, construction materials and the local climate. Radon reduction systems average costs nationally are
$1,200
with a range from $800 to $1500 common depending on house and market conditions.
