We often focus on pollutants we can see and smell, but there’s an invisible threat that can creep into our homes without us even realizing it - radon gas. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that over 6 million homes in America have indoor radon levels that exceed safe thresholds, which contribute to 3% to 14% of lung cancer cases nationwide. If you smoke, your risk of radon exposure increases even dramatically - by 25 times. So, what is radon gas, how can you detect it, and how to take mitigation measures to protect your family’s long-term health? Keep reading to find out.
What Is Radon Gas?
In simple terms, radon is a radioactive gas. It’s natural, it’s common, and it comes from the breakdown of uranium in the soil, rock, and water beneath our homes. You can’t see, smell, or taste it.
Now, before the word “radioactive” sends you into a panic, it’s important to know that radon outdoors is harmless, as it dissipates into the open air. The real problem begins when this gas seeps up from the ground and gets trapped inside our homes, where we then breathe it in.
Any home, regardless of its foundation, can have a radon issue, and radon testing is the only way to know if it’s a problem.
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Where Does Radon Come From?
The primary source of radon is the soil and rock beneath and around your home. It all starts with uranium, a naturally occurring element found in nearly all soils. As uranium slowly decays over millions of years, it turns into radium, which eventually decays into radon gas. This gas then seeps up through tiny cracks and openings in the ground.
While naturally occurring indoor radon concentrations can vary significantly around the world, recent years have seen a rise in these levels everywhere. Researches have found high radon concentrations in countries like China, Russia, and the United States. The EPA warns that about one in ten American homes may need to reduce their indoor radon levels and urges testing at residences, schools, and businesses, especially in regions like Appalachia, the northern Plains, and the Rocky Mountains.
Symptoms of Radon Exposure
You won’t get immediate symptoms like headaches, nausea, or rash from radon, but its danger is long-term and can take decades to show up.
The symptoms of long-term radon exposure include coughing, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. Unfortunately, many people don’t notice any symptoms until the lung cancer has progressed to a later stage.
In fact, long-term exposure to high levels of radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, second only to smoking. Approximately 15000 to 22000 lung cancer deaths in the United States each year are attributed to it. For smokers, the risk is even higher.
This is why radon is often called a silent killer, and testing for it is the only way to know if you and your family are safe.
How to Test Your Home for Radon?
Radon is colorless and odorless, so testing is the only way to know if it’s present in your home. Fortunately, radon testing is straightforward, relatively inexpensive, and can be done in a few different ways.
1. Using a radon detector
This is the ideal method for continuous, long-term radon monitoring. Just set it up in the area you want to monitor, connect it to your phone, and you’ll get real-time updates on radon levels. A reliable and popular choice is the INKBIRD radon detector.
2. DIY radon test kits
This is the most economical method. These kits are available online, at hardware stores, or even some pharmacies, and you can also order them from the National Radon Program Service Center.
Follow the instructions to place the kit in center of the lowest room of your home, such as a basement or a first-floor family room, about three feet from the floor. Leave it there for a specified period - short-term kits work for 2-90 days, while long-term kits last over 90 days.
After the test, seal the kit and mail it to your local laboratory for analysis. You should receive the results within a few weeks.
3. Professional radon testing
If you’re buying or selling a home, or you just want the utmost accuracy, hiring a certified radon tester is a great idea. They use sophisticated continuous radon monitors that can provide precise, real-time data. It’s more expensive, but it’s hands-off and highly reliable.
Understanding Your Radon Test Results
Radon is measured in units of picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air. The EPA sets an action point for radon at 4 pCi/L, meaning that you should contact a licensed professional to install a radon mitigation system. For readings between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L, you can take measures to lower radon levels on your own. While any radon level below 2 pCi/L is technically unsafe, it is generally regarded as low risk. The EPA reports that the average radon concentration in homes across the United States is about 1.3 pCi/L.
What If Your Radon Level Is High?
If your indoor radon level is between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L, the best approach is to increase air circulation by frequently opening windows and using fans. You might also consider installing an exhaust fan in the basement to help vent radon outside. Additionally, you should inspect the flooring for cracks, even if minor, and seal them up to reduce radon entry, though it won’t prevent the problem completely.
After doing these adjustments, recheck your indoor radon levels. If they still hover between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L, consider hire a qualified radon mitigation profession to install an effective radon reduction system called sub-slab depressurization. It is not wildly expensive and costs just about the same as a standard household appliance.
How Long Does a Radon Test Take?
If you want a quick overview of your home's radon levels, a short-term test usually takes between 2-7 days. However, since radon levels can fluctuate daily and with the seasons, a long-term test can more accurately reflect your home’s average radon levels throughout the year, which can take 90 days or more to complete.
How Long Should You Retest for Radon?
Radon levels can fluctuate over time, due to weather changes, ground saturation, and even changes to your home’s foundation or ventilation system. Therefore, after any major renovations to your home or the installation of a radon mitigation system, you should retest for it. For regular maintenance measure, testing is recommended every 2-5 years. If your last radon reading was above 2 pCi/L, you should test more frequently to be on the safe side.
