How To Test For Radon
April 21, 2024
What Is Radon?
Radon is a colorless and odorless radioactive noble gas that is a byproduct of the decay of uranium and thorium. Initially discovered by Pierre and Marie Curie in 1899, radon was recognized as a gas that naturally emitted from radioactive materials. The name radon is derived from radium.
This gas often goes unnoticed but is present in the air we breathe. Radon is naturally in the atmosphere in trace amounts. Outdoors, radon disperses rapidly and, generally, is not a health issue. The primary risk of radon exposure arises within enclosed spaces such as homes, schools, and workplaces. Infiltrating buildings through foundation cracks and openings, radon becomes confined indoors, where it can accumulate and present potential health hazards.
Where Does Radon Come From
Radon emerges from the decay of uranium in the Earth’s crust. It permeates soil, rocks, and water, and can enter homes through the ground. Areas with high concentrations of uranium and thorium in geological formations are more likely to have elevated radon levels. Groundwater can also carry radon, making it a potential source of indoor contamination.
Since it’s invisible and undetectable by human senses, the only way to know if your home has high radon levels is through testing.
What Are the Health Risks of Radon? Does Radon Cause Cancer?
Prolonged exposure to elevated radon levels poses health risks, primarily an increased likelihood of lung cancer. Alpha particles released during radon decay can damage lung tissues, making it a significant concern, especially indoors. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Nationally, the EPA estimates that about 21,000 people die each year from radon-related lung cancer. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths.
The pivotal moment in raising awareness of radon’s health risks came in the mid-1980s with the “Watras Incident.” Stanley Watras, a construction engineer at the Limerick Nuclear Power Plant in Pennsylvania, repeatedly triggered radiation alarms while leaving work despite no radioactive materials being present on-site. Investigations revealed the source wasn’t the plant, but rather alarmingly high radon levels in his home exceeding 2,700 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). This unexpected discovery led to national discussions about radon exposure and its dangers, paving the way for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish an action level for radon in homes just two years later.
How to Tell If Your Home Has Radon?
Radon can only be detected through specialized radon testing. Radon testing is widely available and fairly affordable, depending on the type of test. There are various types of radon testing, including affordable home radon testing kits and more accurate radon testing which can be provided through a radon testing professional. Radon testing is often required by the state when buying a home, in which case a realtor can help organize any required radon testing.
How to Remove Radon
If your home has tested for a high-level of radon, radon can be vented out of the home through radon mitigation systems. Radon reduction systems, equipped with vent pipes and fans, offer effective solutions. There are various types of radon reduction systems and a professional radon mitigation specialist can provide the most effective system for your home, ensuring a comprehensive and efficient resolution to high radon levels.
Understanding radon’s origins, risks, and mitigation strategies is crucial for maintaining a healthy indoor environment. By adopting practical measures and staying vigilant, we can mitigate the impact of radon and ensure the well-being of those inhabiting the space.
Further Resources
For further information on radon testing and mitigation, you can consult the following resources:
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): https://www.epa.gov/radon
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/radon/index.html
- The American Lung Association: https://www.lung.org/clean-air/indoor-air/indoor-air-pollutants/radon
How We Can Help
If your home has tested high for radon, installing a radon mitigation system should be your next step.
Based in Culpeper, Virginia, 2020 Radon provides Radon Mitigation in Central Virginia, including Warrenton, Fredericksburg, Charlottesville, Ruckersville, Madison, and surrounding areas. We can address your home’s high radon levels and guarantee to bring them within the acceptable range. Contact us for a Free Radon Mitigation Quote to get started.
