There are many myths surrounding the danger of radon. We are here to provide the top 10 radon myths so you can understand the truth about radon.
Myth 1: Radon is not a serious health concern.
Truth: The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified radon as a Group 1 carcinogen, which means it is a known cause of cancer in humans. In fact, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
Myth 2: Only certain types of homes are at risk for high levels of radon.
Truth: Radon can be found in homes of all types and ages, and it is not possible to predict the risk of radon based on the age or construction of a home. Homes with basements or crawl spaces may be at greater risk for radon infiltration, but radon can also enter homes through small openings in the foundation or through the water supply.
Myth 3: Radon is only a problem in certain parts of the country.
Truth: Radon can be found in homes in every state in the U.S., and the risk of radon infiltration is not limited to any particular region. It is important to test for radon in all homes, regardless of location. Utah is a high radon state, with 1 in 3 homes having dangerous levels of radon.
Myth 4: You can see, smell, or taste radon.
Truth: Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, so it is not possible to detect its presence through any of the senses. The only way to know if a home has high levels of radon is to test for it.
Myth 5: Radon testing is expensive.
Truth: There are many options for radon testing, including DIY test kits, professional testing services, and long-term monitoring devices. Prices for these options vary, but it is generally not expensive to test for radon.
Myth 6: You don’t need to worry about radon if you live in a newer home.
Truth: Radon can be found in homes of all ages, and the risk of radon infiltration is not limited to older homes. It is important to test for radon in all homes, regardless of age.
Myth 7: If you have a radon mitigation system, you don’t need to worry about radon.
Truth: While radon mitigation systems can be effective at reducing the levels of radon in a home, they are not foolproof and it is still important to test for radon regularly to ensure that the levels are within safe limits. Especially if you are making any renovations to your home that would cause the ground to change.
Myth 8: You can’t do anything about radon if your home has high levels.
Truth: If a home has high levels of radon, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the levels and make the home safer. These may include sealing cracks and openings in the foundation, adding ventilation to the home, and installing a radon-reducing system in the soil around the foundation.
Myth 9: Radon is only a problem in homes with basements.
Truth: Radon can enter homes through small openings and cracks in the foundation, regardless of whether the home has a basement. It is important to test for radon in all homes, regardless of whether they have a basement.
Myth 10: You only need to test for radon once.
Truth: It is important to test for radon regularly, as the levels of radon in a home can fluctuate over time. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends testing for radon every two years. Test more frequently if the levels are found to be high.
Learn The Truth About Radon
Now that you’re aware of the top 10 radon myths, you are able to decipher the truth about radon. It’s a dangerous gas that can cause harm to you and your family. Test your home today to find out if you have radon!
