What is Radon?

Radon, an invisible, colorless, and odorless radioactive gas, is primarily generated beneath the Earth's crust, enveloping us as part of the air we breathe. Traces of uranium can be found in the soil beneath our homes, and as uranium undergoes radioactive decay over time, it gives rise to various other elements. Radon plays a significant role in this chain of radioactive decay associated with uranium. During the decay process of radon gas, it releases radioactive emissions in the form of alpha particles. Alpha particles, which comprise two protons and two neutrons, are a type of radioactive particle.

Is There a Safe Level of Radon?

Every level of radon carries a certain degree of health risk. While completely eliminating radon is not feasible, the optimal strategy is to minimize radon levels as much as possible. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established the action level for radon at 4 pCi/L (picocuries of radon per liter of air). When radon levels reach or exceed this threshold, it is strongly advised to install a radon mitigation system to effectively decrease the radon level.

What Are The Health Risks of Radon?

Radon is the primary cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause among smokers. The risk of developing lung cancer escalates with higher levels of radon and prolonged exposure. It is estimated that approximately 21,000 individuals in the United States succumb to lung cancer annually as a result of radon exposure. Smokers face an even greater risk of lung cancer from radon compared to non-smokers. By decreasing both smoking and radon exposure, the risk of developing lung cancer can be significantly diminished.

Conducting a radon test is the sole method to determine the radon levels present in your home. Mitigation systems are available to reduce radon levels. To locate licensed radon professionals in your area, refer to our "Hire a Professional" page.

Why is Radon Significant?

Among non-smokers, radon is the primary cause of lung cancer, and among smokers, it ranks as the second leading cause. The risk of developing lung cancer increases with higher levels of radon and prolonged exposure. Radon exposure is responsible for an estimated annual death toll of approximately 21,000 individuals in the United States. Smokers face an even greater risk of developing lung cancer due to radon exposure compared to non-smokers. Significantly reducing the risk of lung cancer can be achieved by reducing both smoking habits and exposure to radon.

To determine the radon levels in your home, conducting a radon test is the only reliable method. Fortunately, mitigation systems are available to effectively lower radon levels. If you need assistance, our "Hire a Professional" page can help you locate licensed radon professionals in your area.

Radon in Construction

Due to modern construction techniques, buildings are often well-insulated, and windows are frequently kept closed. Unfortunately, this can result in the accumulation of radon gas inside the building, reaching levels that surpass our DNA repair system's ability to maintain the health of our cells.

Radon in Basements

In buildings, radon levels typically peak on the lower floors, particularly in basements, as their foundations are in direct contact with the soil, which serves as the primary entry point for radon.

Foundation and Weather Effects

Radon gases infiltrate buildings by seeping through the Earth's crust. As a result, they can enter workplaces through various pathways such as cracks, wires, pipes, or any underground openings. The amount of radon gas entering a building through the foundation can be influenced by changes in weather conditions, which may either increase or decrease its influx.