Radon is a
naturally-occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer
. … Breathing radon over time increases your risk of lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Nationally, the EPA estimates that about 21,000 people die each year from radon-related lung cancer.
Where is radon most commonly found?
Radon levels are usually higher in
basements, cellars and living spaces in contact with the ground
. However, considerable radon concentration can also be found above the ground floor.
What causes radon gas in houses?
Radon is a radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the United States. It comes
from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water and gets into the air you breathe
. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation.
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 dangerous is radon in a home?
And exposure to high levels of radon can
cause lung cancer
. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths each year in the United States, contributing to lung cancer’s status as the #1 cancer killer.
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.
How quickly can radon 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
.
Is radon only in the basement?
Radon is completely odorless as well as being invisible
. Because it is often found unexpectedly in basements, some people mistakenly believe that it only occurs in basements. This is a dangerous assumption that may damage your ability to protect your home if you are not careful.
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.
Can you reduce radon by opening windows?
Opening windows improves air circulation and ventilation
, helping move radon out of the house and mixing radon-free outside air with indoor air. … Opening basement windows helps reduce negative air pressure, diluting radon with clean outdoor air.
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.
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.
Is a radon level of 5 dangerous?
Radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter, or pCi/L. Levels of
4 pCi/L or higher are considered hazardous
. Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a risk and in many cases can be reduced, although it is difficult to reduce levels below 2 pCi/L.
How dangerous is a radon level of 7?
| Radon Level If 1,000 people who never smoked were exposed to this level over a lifetime*… | 8 pCi/L About 15 people could get lung cancer | 4 pCi/L About 7 people could get lung cancer | 2 pCi/L About 4 person could get lung cancer | 1.3 pCi/L About 2 people could get lung cancer |
|---|
How common is radon homes?
It’s common:
About 1 in every 15 homes
has what’s considered an elevated radon level. The gas is odorless and invisible, says the EPA, and it causes no immediate symptoms, so the only way to know if your home is affected is by testing your individual residence.
