The Unseen, Harmful Substance: Radon

There are many unseen harmful substances that are currently present in the air around us. These substances can even be fatal when left unnoticed. One of those harmful substances is radon. Radon is invisible. It cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. But, what you may not know is that it can be an issue in your own home.

The Dangers of Radon

Since radon is very difficult to detect on its own, many people end up living with the gas in their home until it is too late. If you or anyone in your residence is a smoker, then your risk for lung cancer will rise greatly because of radon levels. But, radon is not only found in homes; it can be found in any building, including houses, apartments, places of business, offices, and schools.

Radon is produced when the uranium in soil, water, and rocks breaks down. This invisible gas can easily get into the air you breathe and cause great harm. It is greatly recommended that all homes be tested for radon. Radon testing is also required for schools as well. It is not expensive or difficult to test for radon and can be done in mere minutes.

Protecting Yourself from Radon

Should there be any level of radon in the vicinity, the best course of action to take would be to get a radon reduction kit. Again, these kits are not very expensive and are capable of reducing the radon levels indoors by up to 99%. Improving the air quality inside your home or any other vicinity is crucial for the well-being of anyone within the vicinity.

There are many ways that radon can get into the home. Radon is found in all soils, since it comes from the natural decay of uranium. It can rise from the soil and seep through cracks, windows, and other holes. Once it is in the home, it will stay there. The gas can build up overtime, causing the levels to raise to a dangerous high. Any type of home can have high radon levels, from old homes to new homes, homes with basements and without basements, and homes regardless of their size.

The main source of radon in homes is the radon emitted by soil. However, radon can also enter a home through well water and some building materials. Radon mainly gets through cracks in solid floors, wall cracks, gaps in floors, wall cavities, gaps around pipes, construction joints, and the water supply. As you can see, it is very possible for any home to have radon.

It is estimated that as many as 1 in 15 homes in the United States have high radon levels. Do not let any high radon levels go unattended. If you would like to test for radon in your home, contact your state radon office for a qualified testing kit.