When you breathe in radon, it gets into the lining of your lungs and gives off radiation. Over a long time, that can damage the cells there and lead to
lung cancer
. Radon is the second biggest cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking.
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.
How long does radon take to affect you?
Radon gas can damage cells in your lungs, which can lead to cancer. 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.
What should you do if you are exposed to radon?
If someone has been exposed to high levels of radon over a long period of time, it is an especially good idea. Such persons may want to speak to their physicians about whether they should get regular health checkups or tests such as
low-dose CT scans of their lungs
to look for possible signs of lung cancer.
What diseases does radon cause?
A smoker who is also exposed to radon has a much higher risk of
lung cancer
. Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to EPA estimates. Overall, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year.
What are the first signs of radon poisoning?
- Persistent cough.
- Hoarseness.
- Wheezing.
- Shortness of breath.
- Coughing up blood.
- Chest pain.
- Frequent infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.
- Loss of appetite.
Is it OK to live in a house 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
.
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.
Is radon gas worse in summer or winter?
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.
Can 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. Make sure all your basement windows are open. … Opening basement windows helps reduce negative air pressure, diluting radon with clean outdoor air.
Should I worry about radon gas?
Risks, levels and reduction
High levels of radon
can cause lung cancer
, particularly for smokers and ex-smokers. Radon produces tiny radioactive particles in the air we breathe. Radiation from these particles damages our lung tissue, and over a long period may cause lung cancer.
How do you get rid of radon?
There’s
no single method
that fits all radon removal system needs. Common techniques include: Sub-slab depressurization, where suction pipes are inserted through the floor or concrete slab into the concrete slab below the home. A radon vent fan then draws out the radon gas and releases it into the air outside.
How do I make my house safe from radon?
There are two types of mitigation that can be used to make a home safe from radon gas. These include
the installation of a radon sump or a positive pressure unit
. Radon sumps are the most popular and effective choice for reducing high concentrated levels of radon.
How do I reduce radon in my basement?
In some cases, radon levels can be lowered by
ventilating the crawlspace passively
, or actively, with the use of a fan. Crawlspace ventilation may lower indoor radon levels both by reducing the home’s suction on the soil and by diluting the radon beneath the home.
What gives off radiation in the home?
In homes and buildings, there are radioactive elements in the air. These radioactive elements are radon (Radon 222), thoron (Radon 220) and by products formed by the
decay of radium (Radium 226) and thorium
present in many sorts of rocks, other building materials and in the soil.
Is it safe to drink water with radon?
Health Effects
Radon can be inhaled from the air or ingested from water. Inhalation of radon increases the chances of lung cancer and this risk is much larger than the risk of stomach cancer from swallowing water with a high radon concentration. Generally, ingested waterborne radon is not a major cause for
concern
.
