March 2, 2023 | What’s colorless, odorless, invisible and can be found in the home as well as outdoors? If you guessed radon, you were right. But did you know that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year? About 2,900 of these deaths will occur among people who have never smoked. Radon forms naturally from the breaking down of radioactive elements, such as uranium, which are found in different amounts in soil and rock throughout the world. Once formed, radon enters a home through cracks in walls, basement floors, foundations and other openings. As radon decays, it releases radioactive byproducts that are inhaled and can cause lung cancer. Because radon comes from rock and soil, it can be found anywhere. Exposure to limited concentrations, like those found outdoors, is impossible to avoid. However, when radon gets trapped indoors, it may exist in dangerous concentrations.

March 2, 2023 | Radon is normally found at very low levels in outdoor air and in drinking water from rivers and lakes but it can be found at higher levels in the air in houses and other buildings, as well as in water from underground sources, such as well water. Radon may enter buildings from water used in bathroom showers and faucets. Some granite countertops may expose people to different levels of radon. Most experts agree that while a small portion of granite countertops might give off increased levels of radon, most countertops give off extremely low levels. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it’s very unlikely that a granite countertop in a home would increase the radiation level above the normal, natural background level that comes from nearby soil and rocks. Still, people concerned about radon from countertops and from other household sources can test these levels using home detection kits or can hire a professional to do the testing.

March 2, 2023 | Radon gas in the air breaks down into tiny radioactive elements called radon progeny that can lodge in the lining of the lungs, where they can give off radiation. This radiation can damage lung cells and eventually lead to lung cancer. Exposure to the combination of radon gas and cigarette smoke creates a greater risk for lung cancer than either factor alone. Most radon-related lung cancers develop in smokers. However, radon is also thought to cause a significant number of lung cancer deaths among non-smokers in the U.S. each year. Some studies have suggested that radon exposure may be linked to other types of cancer as well, such as childhood leukemia. But the evidence for such links has been mixed and not nearly as strong as it is for lung cancer. Because radon and its progeny are absorbed mainly by inhaling, and because the radiation they give off travels only a short distance, it is unlikely that radon would affect other tissues in the body.

March 2, 2023 | For most people, the largest potential source of radon exposure is in their home. You can check radon levels in your home to determine if you need to take steps to lower them. Do-it-yourself radon detection kits can be ordered through the mail or bought in hardware or home supply stores. Short-term tests typically take two to seven days. During this time, place the kit in a location where it will not be disturbed, in the lowest level regularly used in your home. Follow the test directions and other official guidance to prevent problems that can affect the testing. Once the testing period is complete, seal the test kit and send it to a laboratory for analysis. In a matter of weeks, you will be notified of the radon level in your home. Long-term tests tend to be more accurate as they collect more data. They take at least three months and measure long-term averages. If you don’t want to wait for a long-term test, short-term tests can indicate if your home has a radon problem.

March 2, 2023 | There are a number of ways to protect you and your family from the dangers of radon gas. If you have an existing home with elevated levels of radon, you can fix the problem by having a radon mitigation system installed. A radon mitigation system consists of a vent pipe, fan and the proper sealing of cracks. This system collects radon gas from underneath the foundation and vents it to the outside of your home. If you need to have a radon mitigation system installed, it is best to contact a certified radon mitigation professional to do the installation. If you are building a new home, ask your contractor to install radon-resistant features. These features include gravel and plastic sheeting below the foundation, along with proper sealing of cracks and the installation of a vent pipe. Once the radon-resistant features have been installed and the home is completely built, make sure to perform a radon test as the levels could still be elevated.