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. Radon concentrations vary considerably between adjacent buildings, as well as within a building from day to day and from hour to hour.
How common is radon in 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.
Is radon in every home?
The simple answer is “yes” – at least trace levels of radon will exist in every home . ... We also know that there are certainly areas throughout the U.S.A that have a significant radon issue, while others not so much. Any home can have a radon problem.
Does every house have radon in it?
Any home can have a radon problem . This means new and old homes, well- sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. ... Nearly one out of every 15 homes in the United States is estimated to have an elevated radon level (4 pCi/L or more). Elevated levels of radon gas have been found in homes in your state.
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 .
How do I get rid of radon in my home?
Radon levels can be reduced by sealing off major openings between the home and the ground , such as basement floor drains. This image describes how a floor drain trap can reduce radon entry.
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 radon only in the basement?
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 quickly can radon affect you?
If a person has been exposed to radon, 75% of the radon progeny in the lungs will become harmless lead particles after 44 years . When a particle damages a cell to make it cancerous, the onset of lung cancer takes at least five years, but often takes 15 to 25 years and even longer.
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.
Is radon a scare tactic?
The radon scare was set off because of lung cancer in early uranium miners. ... Residential radon is harmless. Exposure limits set by EPA with LNT theory also impair progress in medicine and nuclear power. EPA rules ignore science, biology, and observed low-level radiation health effects.
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)
Is radon more common in older homes?
No particular style of home is more likely to have a radon problem; including old homes, new homes, drafty homes, insulated homes, homes with basements, or homes without basements.
What are symptoms of radon?
- Persistent cough.
- Hoarseness.
- Wheezing.
- Shortness of breath.
- Coughing up blood.
- Chest pain.
- Frequent infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.
- Loss of appetite.
Does opening windows reduce radon?
Does Opening the Windows Reduce Radon? Unfortunately, no, opening the windows does not reduce radon . It is not a gas that will just permanently escape the home like smoke from something burning in the oven. The radon may seem to leave when the windows are open, but as soon as they are closed, it is back.
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 .
