You’ve probably heard warnings about radon exposure, but what exactly is the danger of radon, and how can you mitigate it?

What is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible, and odorless gas that comes from the deposits of uranium in a home’s surrounding soil. Radon can enter your home through cracks in your foundation floor or walls, through well water. It can also enter through openings around floor drains, pipes, or sump pumps. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates as many as one in 15 households in the country has elevated radon levels.

What Harm Can Radon Cause?

Any level of radon exposure in your home carries significant risks. In fact, exposure to radon is the second leading cause of cancer in the United States. Radon can be inhaled into the lungs, where it undergoes radioactive decay and can damage lung tissue. Thus, it’s important to get tested for radon regularly and take immediate action if a high amount is discovered.

What Can I Do About Radon in My Home?

You can buy a radon testing kit, a radon detector or contact a certified radon testing professional. If the radon level is deemed excessively high (above 4.0 picoCuries per liter), you’ll need to hire a radon contractor. They will design a mitigation system that will draw the radon gas from underneath your home and safely vent it above the roof line.

Purchasing a Home

Always test for Radon before purchasing a home. If radon is discovered it might be a good idea to fix the problem before closing on the house.