Did you know that your family could be at risk from radon, a silent threat lurking in your home? Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that naturally occurs in soil and rock. It is a byproduct of the decay of uranium, thorium, or radium which is present in varying amounts in the earth’s crust. Radon exists in outdoor air in harmless concentrations. However, when it seeps into buildings, particularly your home, it can become a serious health concern. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. This silent threat is responsible for thousands of deaths each year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Why is radon dangerous?

The danger of radon lies in its radioactive decay products. These products can attach to airborne particles and be inhaled into your lungs. Once these particles are inside your lungs they emit radiation that can damage lung tissue and increase your risk of lung cancer over time. The silent threat of radon exposure is particularly concerning because it lacks any discernible sensory cues, which makes difficult for individuals to detect without proper testing.

Testing for radon in your home

Given the potential health risks associated with radon exposure, it is crucial to test your home for radon. Radon levels can vary significantly from one location to another. For example, neighboring houses can have different concentrations than yours. For this reason the EPA recommends that all homes, regardless of location, be tested for radon.

Testing is relatively simple. At Roan Inspections we use the Airthings Corentium Pro radon detector to test the radon levels in your home. The radon detector is placed in the lowest livable level of your home for a minimum of 48 hours. Once the testing period is up, the data is collected and compiled into a report that will be sent to you along with recommended actions to take based on the EPA’s guidelines.

If the radon level in your home is 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) or more the EPA recommends mitigation measures to fix the levels in. If the levels are detected to be between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L, the EPA urges you to consider mitigation measures since there are no known safe exposure levels to this silent threat.

Help! my radon level is high

What do you do if elevated radon levels are detected in your home? You can employ several strategies to mitigate the risk. One common method is the installation of a radon mitigation system. This typically involves the installation of pipes and a fan to vent radon gas from beneath the home and safely release it into the outdoor air. Additionally, proper ventilation and sealing foundation cracks can help reduce radon infiltration.

To ensure the effectiveness of the system and the safety of you and your family, it is important to note that radon mitigation should be carried out by qualified professionals. Regular retesting is also recommended, especially if any structural changes are made to your home or if it has been several years since your home was last tested.

Radon is a hidden danger that can infiltrate homes and pose serious health risks. Testing your home for radon is a proactive step towards ensuring the safety of you and your family. If elevated levels are detected, prompt mitigation measures should be taken. By understanding the risks associated with radon, the silent threat lurking in your home, and taking appropriate actions, you can create a healthier and safer living environment for yourself and your loved ones.