Why Should I Worry About Radon?

It goes down to the typical question. "Do I even have radon at home?" 

 

Then it goes to the typical mindset. "Our ancestors lived long enough without worrying about radon. Why should I?"

 

Always be mindful that change in inevitable. Technology, our environment, and even how our human body responds adapts to those changes too.

 

Radon Testing is the Only Way to Know if You Have Radon at Home

Radon is a silent, invisible intruder that can affect the air you breathe in your own home. Many homeowners remain unaware of its presence until it's too late. Unlike many other threats, radon doesn't cause immediate symptoms or reactions in the human body. It's a quiet hazard until its long-term effects show. Prolonged exposure to high levels of radon can lead to an increased risk of lung cancer, but until now, the common mistake is not having an early intervention. As Radon being an invisible gas, it is also odorless, tasteless, and colorless, making it virtually impossible to detect without the proper equipment.

 

Radon is found all over the United States, but its levels vary by location. It's more commonly elevated in areas with specific geological characteristics. Regions with high levels of granite, shale, or limestone bedrock are more prone to radon issues. However, it's important to note that radon can be found in homes anywhere, regardless of geological factors. Government bodies like EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) validated radon as the leading environmental cause of lung cancer. 

 

Sample of high radon level detected at home:

What areas in the United States are more affected with radon?

While radon is present in all states, some areas have higher average radon levels than others. States like Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota are often cited as having elevated radon levels, but it's crucial to remember that radon can be a big concern in any part of the country. 

 

Several factors can contribute to higher radon levels in a home or building. The construction type, foundation cracks, soil type, and even the design of the house can impact radon levels. Radon can seep through cracks or openings in the foundation and accumulate indoors, especially if proper mitigation measures are not in place. 

 

 

The first step in radon mitigation is simple as having your home tested. Radon Testing is the only way to know if your home is affected. You can purchase a do-it-yourself radon test kit or hire a radon professional – which the state usually recommends for better accuracy. These radon tests typically involve placing a detector in the lowest habitable area of your home for a specified duration. The detector is then sent to a lab for analysis, and the results will reveal whether your home has elevated radon levels. There is no known safe radon level, but the goal is to have the lowest level possible. The EPA recommends having your home mitigated with a professional like local National Radon Defense dealers if levels are above 4 picoCuries per liter of air (pCi/L). 

 

 

Radon is a hidden danger that requires vigilance and prompt action to detect. It's essential for homeowners to take the initiative and test their homes for radon regularly. Don't wait for symptoms to appear, address radon proactively through proper radon testing and mitigation with the professionals such as National Radon Defense Dealers. Always remember, prevention is better than cure. Get your FREE ESTIMATE here!