Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that is produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in the United States and is responsible for approximately 21,000 deaths each year. Let’s dive into the health hazards from radon.
Despite these dangers, many people are unaware of the risks associated with radon exposure or the steps they can take to protect themselves and their families. Utah is a high radon state compared with other states in the U.S with 33% (⅓) of the homes having dangerous levels of radon. The average level of radon gas in Utah is 5.3 pCi/L.
Radon in Your Home
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, even at the national average level of gas found in most homes, which is 1.3 picocuries per liter, written as pCi/L, two out of every 1000 people will develop lung cancer. And as mentioned above, Utah’s average indoor level is much higher.
Because of the high levels of Radon in Utah, the Department of Environmental Quality, DEQ, wants to increase the public’s awareness of radon gas by including testing for homebuyers. Currently, real estate laws do not require any discussion about radon in the homebuying process, although most real estate transactions test for radon.
Health Hazards from Radon
There are several compelling reasons why it is important to spend time learning about the dangers of radon.
First and foremost, radon is a serious health hazard. It is an invisible, odorless gas that can accumulate to high levels in homes and other buildings, increasing the risk of lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses. Even low levels of radon can pose a significant health risk, particularly over long periods of time. By learning about radon and how to reduce your risk of exposure, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from these serious health risks.
In addition to the health risks, radon can also have a financial impact. High levels of radon in a home or building can make it difficult to sell or insure, and it can also require costly repairs to fix the issue. By learning about radon and taking steps to reduce the levels in your home, you can help protect your financial well-being and the value of your property.
Learning about radon can also help you to be a more informed and responsible homeowner or building owner. As a homeowner or building owner, you are responsible for the safety and well-being of those who live or work in your property. By educating yourself about radon and taking steps to reduce the levels in your home or building, you can fulfill this important responsibility and create a safer environment for yourself and others.
Finally, by learning about radon and spreading the word to others, you can help raise public awareness about this important issue. Many people are unaware of the dangers of radon or the steps they can take to protect themselves and their families. By sharing what you have learned with others, you can help increase public awareness and encourage more people to take action to reduce their risk of radon exposure.
Test Your Home for Radon
In summary, there are several compelling reasons why it is important to spend time learning about the dangers of radon. Radon is a serious health hazard that can increase the risk of lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses, and it can also have a financial impact. As a homeowner or building owner, it is your responsibility to create a safe environment for those who live or work in your property.
By educating yourself about radon and taking steps to reduce the levels in your home or building, you can protect yourself and others from the dangers of radon and be a more informed and responsible property owner. By sharing what you have learned with others, you can help raise public awareness about this important issue and encourage more people to take action to reduce their risk of radon exposure. Order a Test Kit today.
