We often hear about contradicting, life threatening “dangers”. Don’t eat fish, it has too much mercury. Eat more fish; it’s good for your heart. Never go outside without sunscreen; no actually, it’s okay sometimes. We think you are getting the point. However, when it comes to Radon gas, it’s all bad. Here’s why:
Radon is Radioactive
And it’s not the way the song makes it sound. Radon is a radioactive gas that cannot be detected by any of the five senses. There is no way to walk into a home and “just know” there is radon. It cannot be tasted, smelled, or seen. The only way to know for sure is to have the home tested.
Radon Causes Cancer
Radon gas exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. There are 21,000 radon-related deaths each year. Almost 3000 of those deaths are people who have never smoked. People who smoke and are exposed to radon are at even greater risk than those who are only exposed to one factor.
Children Have Greater Risk
While radon gas exposure is bad for everyone, children may be at a greater risk to such exposure. Children in homes with smokers are even more at risk, as they are exposed to two dangerous environmental factors. Since children can be at a higher risk, Illinois has mandated that all daycare facilities must be tested.
Radon Does Not Discriminate
Radon has been found in homes in every state in the U.S. In Kendall County alone, almost 50% of homes have tested positive. These homes have been new construction & remodels, ranches & three-story mansions. This is because radon gas comes from the earth (rocks & soil). It enters into homes through the foundation, walls, and basement floors.
The Good News
Even if a home tests at or above the EPA’s “action level” (4.0pCi/L), there is a way to remediate the problem. This can be done through the installation of a Radon Mitigation System. When installed properly by a licensed Radon Mitigation professional, these systems lower the levels of radon in a home to below the EPA’s action level.
When was the last time your home was tested for radon?
