Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It is present in the environment all around us and can be found in the air, soil, and water. But what causes Radon to enter homes?
Why is Radon Dangerous?
Radon is a concern because it can enter homes through small openings and cracks in the foundation and accumulate to high levels, which can be harmful to human health.
When radon gas is inhaled, it can damage the cells in the respiratory system and increase the risk of lung cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified radon as a Group 1 carcinogen, which means it is a known cause of cancer in humans.
Radon in Your Home
There are several factors that can influence the likelihood of radon entering a home. The most important factor is the concentration of radon in the soil around the foundation. Homes that are built on soil with high levels of radon are more likely to have elevated levels of the gas inside the home. The type of soil, the geology of the area, and the local climate can also affect the concentration of radon in the soil.
Factors Why Radon Enters Homes
Other factors that can contribute to the presence of radon in homes include the construction of the home, the ventilation of the home, and the presence of any sources of radon within the home.
For example, homes that are built with open foundations or crawl spaces may be more prone to radon infiltration than homes with solid foundations. Similarly, homes that are poorly ventilated may have higher levels of radon because there is less airflow to dissipate the gas.
Finally, certain building materials, such as concrete and brick, can release radon gas over time, which can contribute to elevated levels of the gas in the home.
There are several ways to reduce the risk of radon entering a home. One of the most effective ways is to have the soil around the foundation tested for radon in your home, and, if necessary, to install a radon reduction system.
This may involve sealing any openings or cracks in the foundation, adding ventilation to the home, and installing a radon-reducing system in the soil around the foundation.
It is also a good idea to test the air inside the home for radon regularly, and to make any necessary repairs or improvements to the home if the levels of radon are found to be too high.
The Danger of Radon
To summarize, radon is a naturally occurring gas that can enter homes through small openings and cracks in the foundation. It is produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water and can accumulate to high levels inside homes, which can be harmful to human health.
There are several factors that can influence the likelihood of radon entering a home, including the concentration of radon in the soil around the foundation, the construction of the home, the ventilation of the home, and the presence of any sources of radon within the home.
To reduce the risk of radon entering a home, it is important to have the soil around the foundation tested for radon, to make any necessary repairs or improvements to the home, and to test the air inside the home regularly. The only way you can know if you have dangerous levels of radon is to test your home.
Test Your Home for Radon
Order a Test Kit today and find out if you have radon in your home.
