Where is radon found?
By Christopher Davis •
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas which may be found in indoor environments such as homes, schools, and workplaces. Radon is the most important cause of lung cancer after smoking.
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Then, where is Radon most common?
Radon is present everywhere in the United States. Levels of the gas differ from state to state, but it is particularly high in North Dakota and Iowa. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Map of Radon Zones shows the potential for elevated radon levels for each county in the United States.
Similarly, what are sources of radon in the home? The main source of indoor radon is radon gas infiltration from soil into buildings. Rock and soil produce radon gas. Building materials, the water supply, and natural gas can all be sources of radon in the home. Basements allow more opportunity for soil gas entry than slab-on-grade foundations.
In respect to this, 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.
What states are high in radon?
The ten states with the highest levels of radon are:
- Alaska.
- South Dakota.
- Pennsylvania.
- Ohio.
- Washington.
- Montana.
- Kentucky.
- Idaho.
How do I get rid of radon in my home?
Seal and caulk all cracks in your foundation and walls. Not only will this help prevent entry of radon, but it'll add to the energy efficiency of your home. Run a three to four inch gas-tight pipe from the first layer or crawlspace to the roof. This will safely vent gases from the soil to the outside.Does Radon make you tired?
The more uranium there is, the more radon there is. That makes radon the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. But even minor symptoms like headaches, feeling unusually tired, itching or burning eyes, irritated skin, nasal congestion, a dry throat or nausea could be due to your home's indoor air quality.What color is radon?
Radon dissolves in water and becomes a clear, colorless liquid below its boiling point. At even lower temperature, liquid radon freezes. As a solid, its color changes from yellow to orangish-red as the temperature is lowered even further.Do I need a radon detector?
According to the EPA, 1 out of every 15 U.S. homes has radon levels above the recommended guideline of 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) and recommends that all homes should test for radon, regardless of geographic location.How often should I test for radon?
Living pattern changes Whenever there is a change in your home, you should perform local radon testing. It's also recommended that you test your home for radon at least twice a year too. If your tests come back unusually high, then you should order one or two more tests so that you can compare the results.Is radon a big deal?
Radon is a Big Deal. Radon is a serious and under-appreciated issue. It's the second leading cause of lung cancer, after tobacco smoking. As an odorless and colorless gas, there is no way to know if it is in your house unless you test for it.How common is radon?
Radon is a common problem in homes throughout the country — as many as one in 15 U.S. homes has high levels of radon, according to the EPA. But certain geographic regions are more likely to be affected.How much does a radon inspection cost?
Average Radon Inspection Costs Typical inspections average between $150 and $300. Home size and region affect the cost. Some inspectors test for radon during a general home inspection. A professional can detect whether you have a problem and the severity of it.Would you buy a house with radon?
Radon can seep into any home that is in contact with the ground. It is undetectable unless you perform a radon test. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer and according to the EPA and CDC, it kills more than 20,000 annually. It is not something you want in the home you are buying.Does opening windows reduce radon?
Opening windows improves air circulation and ventilation, helping move radon out of the house and mixing radon-free outside air with indoor air. Opening basement windows helps reduce negative air pressure, diluting radon with clean outdoor air.Do all basements have radon?
Most commonly homes with basements are suspect for having higher radon levels. The fact that porous foundation walls allow radon gas to enter a home is no secret and with most basements containing a sump well, there are many access points from which radon can enter a home.Should I worry about radon?
Yes you need to worry about Radon gas because Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas and it is present both outdoors and indoors. Being exposed to radon for a long period of time can lead to lung cancer. Scientists estimate that about 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year are related to radon.How long do you have to be exposed to radon before it becomes a problem?
If a person has been exposed to radon, 75 percent of the radon progeny in lungs will become "harmless" lead particles after 44 years. When an alpha particle damages a cell to make it cancerous, the onset of lung cancer takes a minimum of 5 years but most often 15 to 25 years, and even longer.What is the best way to test for radon?
Test your home with a short-term test.- Test for radon in the lowest level of your home where people spend time.
- You can buy test kits at home improvement stores, hardware stores, or online.
- If your home has a radon level of 4 or higher, it's time to take action.
